This story from the acclaimed author of The Closest I've Come unflinchingly examines steroid abuse and male body dysmorphia. Perfect for fans of Jason Reynolds and Matt de la Peña.

David Espinoza is tired of being messed with. When a video of him getting knocked down by a bully's slap goes viral at the end of junior year, David vows to use the summer to bulk up-- do what it takes to become a man--and wow everyone when school starts again the fall.

Soon David is spending all his time and money at Iron Life, a nearby gym that's full of bodybuilders. Frustrated with his slow progress, his life eventually becomes all about his muscle gains. As it says on the Iron Life wall, What does not kill me makes me stronger.

As David falls into the dark side of the bodybuilding world, pursuing his ideal body at all costs, he'll have to grapple with the fact that it could actually cost him everything.

A Chicago Public Library Best Teen Fiction Selection

A Banks Street Best Children's Book of the Year

Author: Fred Aceves
Binding Type: Hardcover
Publisher: Harperteen
Published: 02/11/2020
Pages: 336
Weight: 0.9lbs
Size: 8.50h x 5.80w x 1.10d
ISBN: 9780062489883
Audience: Young Adult

Accelerated Reader:
Reading Level: 4.8
Point Value: 10
Interest Level: Upper Grade
Quiz #/Name: 507375 / New David Espinoza


Review Citation(s):
School Library Journal 12/01/2019 pg. 90
Kirkus Reviews 12/15/2019
Publishers Weekly 12/16/2019
Booklist 12/15/2019 pg. 98
Bulletin of Ctr for Child Bks 02/01/2020

About the Author
Aceves, Fred: -

Fred Aceves is the author of The Closest I've Come, which was an ALA/YALSA Best Fiction for Young Adults selection, a Kirkus Reviews Best Books of the Year selection, and an NYPL Best Books selection. The New David Espinoza is his second novel. Fred has lived in seven different countries and currently lives in Mexico. His online home is www.fredaceves.com.