Top Heavy

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4.7

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Author(s)

Rhonda DeChambeau

Publisher

Holiday House

Genre(s)

Age Range

12+

Release Date

June 10, 2025

ISBN

978-0823458134

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This heart-stopping debut novel in verse about a talented dancer struggling to give herself grace in the wake of an assault is a gut-wrenching masterpiece.

Fifteen-year-old Esme lives and breathes dance. Alongside her best friend, Mia, she is happiest when in the studio… sweating, stretching, soaring. And after a summer of nonstop practice, Esme and Mia earn coveted spots on the Elite dance team. Now that they’ve proven themselves to Miss Regina and the senior girls, it should be smooth sailing.

Except that Esme and Mia took the spots of two popular, well-liked dancers.
Except that Esme's dad hasn't been able to work for months, and there’s hardly enough money for groceries, never mind dance tuition and recital costumes.
Except that a stranger touches Esme during a night out, touches the breasts that have always felt like giant targets.

After years of being oversexualized for her large chest, this is the violation that pushes Esme over the edge. Was it her fault? Could she have stopped it? Why can’t she just be different? Esme stumbles, off kilter and adrift from her loved ones, struggling to find the strong, central cord that will pull her up and allow her to soar again.

This dazzling, tour-de-force debut tackles friendship, first love, and sexual assault, along with the full emotional range of life as a teenage girl. Esme musters strength she didn’t know she had—and learns to lean on others to find the right support. An unforgettable read.

Editor review

1 review

Powerful Ya Contemporary

May 28, 2025 (Updated: July 18, 2026)

Overall rating

4.7

Plot

5.0

Characters

5.0

Writing Style

4.0

Illustrations/Photos (if applicable)

N/A

Esme loves to dance, but there’s one thing that’s always slowing her down: her large breasts. While they place strain on her back, the mental weight plays a bigger part of the strain. She’s picked on by people who are supposed to uplift her as their teammate and they don’t see her as a true dancer. But nobody works harder than Esme and she’s determined to prove them wrong. With the world trying to bring her down, she has her good days and bad days, but she's taught to stand TALL.

Her best friend Mia tries to stay by Esme’s side, but Mia’s knee becomes too much of a problem. Thankfully, Esme meets Todd and he’s the sweetest and most supportive person in her life (besides her amazing Grammy who I adore). It isn’t only dancing that’s a problem because Esme also faces challenges from financial struggles of her family and a dad who’s physically disabled. Not to mention men objectify her and one even takes things too far in a club one night while she’s watching Todd play in his band.

I can’t say I’ve ever read a verse novel before because they aren’t really my go-to, but I’m so happy I read this one. TOP HEAVY is a powerful young adult novel that teaches girls that big breasts aren’t something that’s wrong with them. Instead, there’s something wrong with the pinheads out there. There is a sensitive touch of sexual assault that may trigger some people. As a victim of big breasts and some not too kind remarks growing up, this book was such an uplifting read. Can I say I love Todd too? Things may have been different mentally if I had that support, but the message of friendship is also strong, even though it’s something that’s always changing. Esme is a tough character and an inspiration to women with big breasts everywhere. She’s symbolic of the emotions people can feel while navigating high school, first loves, friendship, and stigmas.

Final Verdict: I would recommend this to teens ages fourteen and older, especially those with large breasts. Esme’s story is an empowering and inspiring one that should be shared. While there’s a touch of romance, I love how that isn’t the main focus. The message within these pages is so much more powerful.

Bethany Wicker Top 10 Reviewer 934 reviews

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User reviews

2 reviews

Overall rating

4.7

Plot

4.5(2)

Characters

5.0(2)

Writing Style

4.5(2)

Illustrations/Photos (if applicable)

N/A(0)

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Top Heavy - Self Acceptance

March 15, 2026 (Updated: July 18, 2026)

Overall rating

4.3

Plot

4.0

Characters

5.0

Writing Style

4.0

Illustrations/Photos (if applicable)

N/A

Top Heavy is a meaningful novel that follows a teenage dancer named Esme who is trying to deal with growing up in a body that constantly draws attention that grows uncomfortable. From my perspective, what stood out the most is how honest the story feels. Esme struggles with being sexualized because of her body, especially having a larger chest, and the book shows how uncomfortable and frustrating that can be for someone her age.

While reading, I found myself really feeling for her. She is trying to focus on dance and normal teenage things, but people around her keep reducing her to how she looks. The story also talks about the idea of breast reduction surgery and what that might mean for her life and her confidence. I appreciated that the book does not treat that decision as something simple. Instead, it shows how complicated it can be when someone is trying to figure out what will make them feel most comfortable in their own body.

Another thing I liked from my perspective was the friendships in the story. Esme’s friends feel supportive and real, which helps balance some of the heavier moments in the book. There are also a few lighter parts, like when she thinks about what Dolly Parton might do in certain situations, which added a small bit of humor and confidence to the story.

I do think future readers should be cautious before reading, because the book includes topics like unwanted physical attention and sexualization that could be triggering for some people. Still, Top Heavy is a meaningful story about self-worth, boundaries, and learning to accept yourself even when the world around you keeps trying to define you differently.

Good Points

- Emotional story told through short poems

- Honest look at body image and self-confidence

- Supportive friendships in the story

- Thoughtful discussion about body choices and self-acceptance

fantasyreads11 Top 50 Reviewer 125 reviews

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This one hits hard in all the right places.

March 13, 2026 (Updated: July 18, 2026)

Overall rating

5.0

Plot

5.0

Characters

5.0

Writing Style

5.0

Illustrations/Photos (if applicable)

N/A

Top Heavy by Rhonda DeChambeau is about 15 year old Esme, a dedicated dancer, and thanks to a sudden growth spurt feeling way too top heavy. Between the back pain, unwanted stares, and costumes that no longer fit, her once-confident self is starting to unravel. And when a public groping leaves her shaken, she’s forced to confront what it really means to live in her body.

Told in gorgeous free verse, Top Heavy dives deep into body image, girlhood, and all the complicated emotions that come with both. Esme’s voice is honest and vulnerable, and the poetry feels like movement, like dance. There’s also sweet romance, a shifting best friendship, and a big decision about whether or not to get breast reduction surgery.

This one hits hard in all the right places. It’s messy, empowering, and full of heart. Perfect for anyone who remembers what it felt like to suddenly not fit into your own skin.