SH!T BAG

LoveReading4Kids Says

July 2023 Debut of the Month

After collapsing during her exams and waking with a temporary ileostomy bag, Freya is angry. She’s meant to be enjoying the summer of her life before she starts sixth form. But instead of hot summer holidays abroad with her best friends and fit boyfriend, she’s at a midge-infested “Poo Camp” for young people with bowel problems.

Unable to accept that her life has irreversibly changed and sickened by her own body, Freya is resentful, miserable, and self-absorbed. Slowly though, new friends and a potential new love interest help her see that her future may be different, but it can still be hopeful.

This is a sharp book full of dark humour, that doesn’t shy away from the truth about an often-taboo subject: poo. When Freya returns to school not everybody reacts with kindness, instead she must deal with cruel bullies and a deceitful ex. She does so with strength and an impressive level of sass.

With authentic disability representation, Sh!t Bag highlights a subject rarely covered in YA and is a refreshing read, perfect for empathy building. Full of embarrassing moments to make you cringe, Freya’s journey is far from easy, but it’s definitely worth travelling with her. A fresh, fierce book about self-acceptance that older teens will love.

Amy McKay

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