Dickens & Rumi
Cover of LOUDER THAN HUNGER

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LOUDER THAN HUNGER

John Schu

A coming-of-age novel written in verse from the perspective of Jake Stacey, a teen dealing with anorexia. (Ages 10 to 14)

Ages 12+Source checked

Why this age? The book centers on anorexia, severe bullying, cancer, hospitalization and recovery. Its middle-grade verse format supports accessibility, but the subject matter may require adult support for younger readers. This is guidance, not a safety guarantee; reading level and family context may differ.

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At a glance

Recommended age12+

Strongest cautions

  • Frightening scenes3/5
  • Death of a character2/5
  • Strong language2/5

Strongest positives

  • Courage & resilience5/5
  • Positive messages5/5
  • Good role models4/5

What’s in it?

Death of a character2/5
Why this rating?

Touches upon a family member's illness and the life-threatening nature of the protagonist's condition.

Strong language2/5
Why this rating?

Occasional mild language consistent with middle-grade fiction.

Frightening scenes3/5
Why this rating?

The internal 'Voice' and the intensity of the protagonist's struggle with his health can be frightening or anxiety-inducing.

Violence1/5
Why this rating?

Includes descriptions of emotional pain and the internal physical violence of an eating disorder.

What’s good in it?

Courage & resilience5/5
Why this rating?

Facing an eating disorder, hospitalization and recovery requires sustained emotional courage and willingness to accept help.

Creativity & curiosity3/5
Why this rating?

The use of verse novel format provides a unique and imaginative lens for storytelling.

Diverse representation2/5
Why this rating?

The novel offers meaningful representation of a boy living with anorexia and undergoing recovery, though this is not a broad range of identities.

Educational value3/5
Why this rating?

Provides significant insight into the nature of anorexia and the realities of inpatient treatment.

Kindness & empathy4/5
Why this rating?

Highlights the importance of empathy and support from family and healthcare professionals.

Positive messages5/5
Why this rating?

Recovery, seeking help, family support and resisting destructive inner criticism are central messages.

Good role models4/5
Why this rating?

The protagonist shows great bravery in confronting his illness and working toward recovery.

Family discussion

Talk about it

Conversation starters based on this title’s published content notes.

  1. What did courage look like in this story? Was being brave always the same as being fearless?
  2. Which moment felt most tense or frightening? What helped the characters handle fear?
  3. Which choice in LOUDER THAN HUNGER would you have made differently, and why?
  4. Who changed the most in LOUDER THAN HUNGER, and what caused that change?
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These content notes are a starting point, not a guarantee. Review the evidence and use your own judgment before choosing a title.

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