In her latest tween novel, “Slouch”, Assistant Professor and alum Christina Wyman addresses issues of body image, societal expectations and the pressures that come with being an adolescent. Wyman turns her own personal experiences into a powerful story. The book’s protagonist, Stevie Crumb, is a tall 12-year-old girl whose height makes her stand out in a world that can be harsh and unforgiving.
Crumb also faces unwanted attention from family, friends and strangers, and her body becomes the subject of constant commentary, often making her uncomfortable.
“Well-intentioned remarks like ‘You should play basketball,’ or ‘You’re blossoming,’ can be emotionally confusing for a 12-year-old girl,” said Wyman, a 2014 graduate of the College of Education’s Curriculum, Instruction and Teacher Education doctoral program. “These kinds of comments, while meant to be harmless, can actually make young girls feel like their bodies are public property.”
Growing up in Brooklyn, New York, Wyman was tall from an early age and frequently had to navigate uncomfortable situations related to her appearance.
“There’s an aggression that comes with growing up in a big city, where street harassment is something you encounter from a young age,” Wyman explained. “For Stevie, like it was for me, it’s not just family making comments, but also strangers. It creates a confusing and even frightening dynamic for a young girl.”
Finding her voice through debate
While Stevie is constantly told what she “should” do with her body—primarily by people suggesting she take up basketball—she finds empowerment elsewhere: the debate team at her school. Debate becomes a metaphor for Crumb’s growing self-confidence and ability to assert control over her life.
“Stevie discovers that through debate, she can stand up for herself and challenge the societal expectations imposed on her,” said Wyman. “It’s a big part of the story and offers a contrast to physical sports. Joining the debate team gives Crumb the tools to take back control.”
Wyman’s portrayal of debate culture comes from a mixture of research and interviews. Though she never participated in debate herself, she consulted colleagues and read extensively about the competitive and often high-pressure world of middle and high school debate teams. This research adds authenticity and depth to the novel’s depiction of Crumb’s growth.
Building on success
Published by Macmillan Children’s Publishing Group, “Slouch” is Wyman’s second book following her debut, “Jawbreaker,” which explored themes of bullying and physical differences.
“Jawbreaker” earned critical acclaim, including a spot on the American Booksellers Association’s Indies Introduce Titles Top 10 List and featured in The New York Times‘ article, “11 Books for Kids Starting Middle School.”
"Slouch" is available now.