This YA book was wonderful! I have not read enough YA books to generalize but FAT CAT offers the reader a strong teenage female lead which is always a good role model for the age group reached by this book (Unusual back in the day when I was reading YA because I was a YA.) Cat is a bright high school junior trying to win a science fair. The topic was randomly assigned by picking a picture from a group the teacher provided. Cat was hoping for insects but instead ended up researching Hominids (female cave dwellers). To personalize the project she decides to live as much like a Hominid as possible in the 21st century. During the 7 months it takes to complete the project Cat not only transforms herself, but learns some important life lessons along the way. Cat and her best friend Amanda are smart, creative, talented, and just sassy enough to make them believable teenagers. This book does deal with some issues like being overweight, friendships and dating/family/sibling relationships but does so in a positive way. For myself as a reader, the only negative was that the book “preached” a little with regards to the benefits of a vegetarian diet. There is nothing wrong with that per se, but seeing the target reading audience is impressionable young people (girls) who may be battling weight issues of their own (be they real or perceived) … I felt the message just a little too strong.

Fat Cat is a captivating YA novel about an obese teen who turns her health around by following a prehistoric-like diet, for a science fair project. Through her journey of self-discovery she tests the romantic waters with a few boys, one that she can’t stand, one that she lusts over and one that she has secretly been in love with since early childhood. This story works as a reference point to healthy weight loss, as it promotes an active lifestyle and the eating of whole, unprocessed and natural foods. The protagonist is empowered by her healthy choices, has a strong work ethic, and is a science and math geek; an excellent role model for young females, as compared to the silly, air-headed and fashion obsessed girls that we are often met with in YA novels. I had originally wanted to read this book to see if it was appropriate to pass along to my tween niece, as she has been struggling with making healthy food choices and maintaining an active lifestyle. I will definitely be getting her to read this book, but not for a couple of years yet, as it deals with kissing and other mildly sexual content that I don't think she needs to get involved with quite yet. www.booksnakereviews.blogspot.com

What a great book. I loved the premise - overweight girl takes a project to the extreme by changing her lifestyle to that of our distant ancestors, cutting out processed food and modern conveniences. Not only does Cat overhaul her eating, but she overhauls herself, digging deep and finding the real girl inside. This was a different take on the regular girl makeover story - one that felt real and authentic and not based purely on looks.