Weight has always been a big issue in Carmen's life. Not surprising when her mum is obsessed with the idea that thin equals beauty, thin equals success, thin equals the way to get what you want. And somehow her daughter is going to be thin.

When her mother sweeps her off to live in the city, Carmen finds her old world disappearing. With everything to gain and absolutely nothing to lose. Carmen starts to ask: if she was thin, very thin, could it all be different?

A new cover edition of Julia Bell's critically acclaimed YA novel, Massive, published to coincide with the release of Julia's new book, The Dark Light

'Bell's debut novel is tough, grimy and truthful as it looks at three women in the same family with food problems' Guardian

'. . . boldly yet sensitively explores complex interactions between emotional and nutritional needs . . . perceptive and disturbing' Bookseller

'. . . told with sympathy and humour . . . manages to be enjoyable as well as thought-provoking' Big Issue

This book was recognised by the Branford Boase Award. The Branford Boase Award is awarded annually for an outstanding first novel to a first-time writer of a book for young people. At the same time, it marks the important contribution of the editor in identifying and nurturing new talent.

This book has been graded for interest at 12+ years.

There are 273 pages in this book. This book was published 2015 by Pan Macmillan .

Julia Bell used to be a DJ before 'becoming a proper person and getting a job'. She is now a writer, editor and tutor based at the University of East Anglia where she has also established Pen & Inc, a small press. Her first critically-acclaimed novel for teenagers, MASSIVE, described by J17 as 'big, bold and brave', was shortlisted for the Branford Boase Award.