Being Big

Ted McGee is a professor of English at St. Jerome’s College,
University of Waterloo.

Being Big is straightforwardly organized into pros and cons. After
noting four examples of unhappy experiences that arise from being
physically larger than all her friends, Barbara tries to reduce her size
by following an advertised exercise program. When this scheme fails to
bring about the desired result, Barbara’s mother reminds her daughter
of the four benefits of “being big.” In the end, Barbara comes out
of hiding to proclaim, “Sometimes I like being big,” to which her
big mother replies, “Me too,” and ducks “so she wouldn’t bang
her head on the doorframe.” Touches of humor such as this one, the
playful appearances of Barbara’s pet cat, and bright lively crayon
illustrations help this book achieve its principal aim of helping larger
children put into perspective experiences that may be alienating or
damaging to their self-esteem.

The simple structure of the book also throws into relief its weakness.
Barbara’s positive experiences (all of which are related to her
athleticism and win her the admiration of her peers) differ
substantially from the negative ones. For example, whereas the first
illustration of what is good about being big is that Barbara wins
bicycle races, the first illustration of what is bad about it is that
she is assigned to a seat at the back of the classroom, from which
position she cannot see the arithmetic on the blackboard. Obviously,
this problem cannot be resolved through athletic prowess on the playing
field or a chat with mother. However, if the inconsistencies in Being
Big alert teachers and coaches to problems big children might face
within the school system, then this weakness could be a strength.
Recommended.