Smaller Sister by Maggie Edkins Willis

Publisher’s Summary

Maggie Edkins Willis’s Smaller Sister is a debut middle grade graphic novel about body image, confidence, and the everlasting bond of sisterhood. Lucy’s always looked up to her big sister, Olivia, even though the two are polar opposites. But then Lucy notices Olivia start to change. She doesn’t want to play with Lucy anymore; she’s unhappy with the way she looks; and she’s refusing to eat her dinner. Finally, Lucy discovers that her sister is not just growing up: Olivia is struggling with an eating disorder.

While her family is focused on her sister’s recovery, Lucy is left alone to navigate school and friendships. And just like her big sister, she begins to shrink. But with time, work, and a dose of self-love, both sisters begin to heal and let themselves grow. Soon enough, Olivia and Lucy find their way back to each other—because sisters are the one friend you can never ditch.

Full Review

Smaller Sister is a heartfelt and unflinching exploration of family, body image, and self-identity. Maggie Edkins Willis captures the painful reality of how one person’s struggle with an eating disorder ripples through an entire family. Lucy’s journey is especially moving; as she watches her idolized older sister change, she begins to internalize those same insecurities, exacerbated by a new school and “friends” who constantly critique female bodies.

The illustrations are a standout feature, perfectly capturing the range of emotions—from the hollow exhaustion of Olivia’s illness to the vibrant, inclusive joy Lucy finds at theatre camp. While the author notes this isn’t a strict memoir, it is based on personal events, which gives the narrative a raw, authentic “realness.” The book ends on a hopeful note, emphasizing that true strength comes from embracing your authentic self rather than fitting into others’ narrow expectations. It is an essential read for middle-grade students navigating the complexities of modern social pressures.

🎨 The Visual Language of “Shrinking”

In a graphic novel, the art does as much work as the text. Willis uses visual metaphors to show Lucy’s emotional state. When Lucy feels insecure or overwhelmed by her sister’s illness, the layout often reflects her feeling smaller or more isolated on the page.

🎒 Classroom & Curricular Connections

• Health & Wellness (Eating Disorder Awareness): Use the book to discuss the early warning signs of eating disorders and how they affect mental health.

  • Activity Idea: Discuss the “Body Neutrality” movement versus “Body Positivity.” How does Lucy move toward accepting her body as a tool for her art (theatre) rather than an object to be judged?

• Visual Arts (Graphic Storytelling): Analyze how color and line weight change when the story shifts from the “toxic” school environment to the “artistic” theatre camp.
• ELA (Character Motivation): Explore the sister bond.

  • Activity Idea: Write a “Letter to my Sister” from Olivia’s perspective during her recovery, or from Lucy’s perspective explaining how Olivia’s illness made her feel.

• Social-Emotional Learning (Bullying): Discuss the “Mean Girl” trope.

  • Activity Idea: Identify the specific comments Lucy’s school friends made. How did those comments act as “triggers”? Discuss strategies for setting boundaries with toxic friends.

• Media Literacy: Research the “Author’s Note.” Discuss the difference between a Memoir (true autobiography) and Autobiographical Fiction (based on real life but fictionalized). Why might an author choose one over the other?