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WORK TITLE: Climate of Chaos
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Children: three.
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Cassandra Newbould is a mother of three who has wanted to tell stories since she was young. When she was hit by a cargo van in 2010, however, she started writing her first book during her recovery, encouraged by her husband and children. Living as a disabled person who suffers from chronic pain has informed her writing in the kinds of narratives and characters she tells. As she said in an interview with KidLit 411, “When I can’t get outside and move my body the way I’d like, my characters do it for me.”
Newbould’s first book, however, was as an editor. She had been a fat woman for much of her adult life, and she believed that fat characters were unfortunately overlooked in fiction. She had started a podcast called Fat Like Me, and she pitched the idea to a publisher of creating an anthology of short stories featuring fat protagonists. Then she contacted different authors who were themselves fat and could write from experience. The result is Every Body Shines: Sixteen Stories about Living Fabulously Fat. The collection features a wide variety of characters with that one trait in common. The plots include fat girls playing sports, a young Black musician getting to be with her favorite musical group, and numerous fat men and women falling in love. Nonbinary teens and characters from a variety of ethnic groups are also featured, and author Aubrey Gordon contributes a foreword.
Reviewers appreciated the motivation behind the anthology. A writer in Kirkus Reviews described the book as “sincere” and “earnest” with “fantastic hooks and characters.” In School Library Journal, Lisa Krok wrote, “These characters should be seen in all collections.” Krok particularly appreciated Gordon’s “moving foreword” and described the stories as “empowering and reflective.” Abby Hargreaves, in Booklist, highlighted the variety of genres in the anthology, predicting that this would make it “appealing to an expansive swath of socially conscious readers.”
Newbould’s debut novel was an epistolary novel called Things I’ll Never Say. It was inspired by her own experience of having a boyfriend die of a drug overdose. In the YA novel, a teen girl is still grieving over the opioid overdose of her twin brother, even as she starts experiencing romantic feelings toward one of her long-time friends.
Newbould’s adult fiction debut was the dystopian novel Climate of Chaos. In an interview with Bookstr, she talked about why she chose that genre: “Dystopian and disaster books (and movies) have always been my go-to when I need comfort. There’s magic to be discovered within a protagonist who finds hope in a world of disruption. A voice against the Big Bad.” In this story, Fox is a disabled seventeen-year-old whose younger sister has been taken prisoner by an evil corporation. Even worse, Fox comes to realize that her community is not as altruistic as they seem. She now has to decide how far she is willing to go and what risks she is willing to take to rescue her sister and also to try to save the world from a deadly virus. Themes of climate change and the challenges of expensive healthcare also feature prominently.
“An exciting, high-stakes story offering relevant social commentary,” wrote a contributor in Kirkus Reviews. They particularly appreciated the “fast-paced, well-executed, suspense-driven plot” along with the diverse group of secondary characters. In Booklist, Austin Ferraro called the book a “stellar series opener” and a “must-read for dystopian fans old and new.” Ferraro was especially impressed with the book’s “commendably natural character dialogue” and how Newbould avoids predictable plot points to instead create an “engaging” narrative. A contributor in Young Entertainment also enjoyed this outing, particularly the way it “asks questions about how we view bodies, their usefulness, and society in the future.”
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BIOCRIT
PERIODICALS
Booklist, May 1, 2021, Abby Hargreaves, review of Every Body Shines: Sixteen Stories about Living Fabulously Fat, p. 45; June, 2025, Austin Ferraro, review of Climate of Chaos, p. 96.
Kirkus Reviews, April 15, 2021, review of Every Body Shines; April 15, 2023, review of Things I’ll Never Say; June 1, 2025, review of Climate of Chaos.
School Library Journal, May, 2021, Lisa Krok, review of Every Body Shines, pp. 87+.
ONLINE
Bookstr, https://bookstr.com/ (November 4, 2025), Megan Donovan, author interview.
KidLit 411, https://www.kidlit411.com/ (May 14, 2021), author interview.
Utopia State of Mind, https://utopia-state-of-mind.com (July 28, 2025), review of Climate of Chaos.
Young Entertainment, https://youngentertainmentmag.com/ (November 2, 2023), author interview.
Cassandra Newbould
Cassandra Newbould is the critically acclaimed author of the forthcoming YA dystopian novel Climate of Chaos and the YA epistolary coming-of-age novel Things I’ll Never Say (Peachtree Teen), as well as editor and contributor of the YA anthology Every Body Shines (Bloomsbury), which was a Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selection. A disabled mom of three who enjoys poker, rainy days, and road trips, she’s always on the lookout for her next adventure.
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Survival and Chaos: Cassandra Newbould’s New Daring Dystopian Novel
Dive into a broken world featuring complex themes hidden within the dystopia while we interview Cassandra Newbould about her new book!
Megan Donovan – November 4th, 2025
Author InterviewsAuthor's Corner
The background is the cover of Cassandra Newbould's new book Climate of Chaos. It is a grey and foggy dystopian version of Seattle, Washington. The Bookstr One x One logo is in the center with the title "Interview with Cassandra Newbould." Towards the right side is a headshot of Cassandra and the cover of Climate of Chaos.
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There are many sensitive and painful things going on in the world right now, and countless people have been impacted. While medical care in the US has always been a hot topic, in recent years it has become a focal point in essential conversations. Cassandra Newbould has her own personal experiences with the healthcare system, which she went on to write about in her latest book. Today, we’re speaking to Cassandra about the process behind the powerful themes of healthcare in her new dystopian novel, Climate of Chaos.
About Cassandra Newbould
Cassandra Newbould is the editor of the Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selection YA anthology Every Body Shines (Bloomsbury YA) and the author of Things I’ll Never Say and Climate of Chaos (Peachtree Teen). A disabled mom of three who enjoys poker, rainy days, and road trips, she’s always on the lookout for her next adventure. Find her on social media @cass_catalano_newbould.
Headshot of Cassandra Newbould. She is looking up at the camera smiling, and is outside in a sweater. It is sunny out and she is on a concrete path with grass behind her.
IMAGE VIA CASSANDRA NEWBOULD
Thank you for joining us, Cassandra. Let’s get started!
For readers unfamiliar with Climate of Chaos, could you start us off with an elevator pitch of the novel?
When the corporation that kidnapped your sister claims she’s the chosen one who will save the world from a deadly virus — at the risk of her own life — and you’re the only one who can rescue her, would you? In a world where healthcare is currency and Aegis Corp controls it all, Fox must decide if she’s willing to risk her community’s welfare to save the person she loves most.
Cover of Climate of Chaos by Cassandra Newbould. There is a greyish, foggy tint over the cover, with a dystopian version of Seattle washington. The space needel is broken and there are dome houses in the background. Closer towards the front are two travelers, walking through a forest and tents.
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You previously wrote contemporary YA. What motivated your shift into dystopian fiction for this book?
Dystopian and disaster books (and movies) have always been my go-to when I need comfort. There’s magic to be discovered within a protagonist who finds hope in a world of disruption. A voice against the Big Bad. They are the spark to set the world on fire. Dystopian novels take our worries about the real world and show us the very extreme possibilities of where we could end up. They reveal the worst about humans, but in doing so, they also reveal the best qualities about us.
Dystopians make you feel like even when the end is staring you in the face, there’s a chance not only to survive, but to thrive against all odds. Writing dystopian books was always my dream, but it took me a few years until I was ready to tell the story of my heart. Climate of Chaos is my rage on the page for how our failing healthcare system has treated me and other disabled people in our country.
How does the more survival-stakes social commentary narrative structure of Climate of Chaos reflect or depart from your earlier works in contemporary fiction?
Things I’ll Never Say is an intimate contemporary story told in prose and verse, while Climate of Chaos is a cinematic, loud, feral scream of a story. Although, when it comes to survival stakes and social commentary, they are quite similar. TINS focuses on the opioid crisis in America and how the loss of a loved one to an overdose can have a ripple effect for many. It shows my main character trying to survive without her twin brother. Climate of Chaos reflects our world and how people are struggling with medical debt and our changing climate, albeit in a worst-case scenario (or at least that’s what I intended; however, every day it feels more and more like reality). Like TINS, CoC shows my main character trying to survive without her sister; however, in this story, unlike TINS, Fox has a chance to save Rabbit.
Climate of Chaos weaves together themes of climate catastrophe, viral illness, and economic inequality. What sparked the idea to bring these crises together? Was there a particular headline or personal experience that helped shape the story’s main conflict?
At any given time of the day it feels like you can go on social media or turn on the news and there will be a story of a weather catastrophe that has happened, or how we’re all still feeling the economic fallout from Covid, or how people are financially struggling as our government once again slashes funding for Medicaid and Medicare for those most in need. Hospitals are closing, doctors and nurses are exhausted and in short supply, and people cannot afford to pay rent and their medical bills at the same time. Something needs to change, and until we all begin to shout for that change, it’s going to keep happening. Climate of Chaos is me using my voice to add to the others who are already fighting.
As for my personal experience, December 18, 2010, was the day I walked across Melrose Ave in West Hollywood, CA, and was hit by a cargo van. What followed next was years of pain, procedures, and recovery. During my downtime, I started writing my first book. Writing provided a balm to the new reality of living the rest of my life with chronic pain in a disabled body. Years later, when I finally felt ready to write Climate of Chaos, I used my rage and hurt to shape the story’s main conflict.
One of the most intriguing elements of this novel is how healthcare is treated as currency. What were you hoping to explore about medical access and who gets to determine the value of a life?
Medical debt and a country-wide failure to practice and provide health equity is not the exception in America; it is the rule. Lack of proper, affordable, and compassionate healthcare is one of the most relatable issues Americans experience across the board, regardless of income or location, regardless of whether they’re insured or not. I really wanted to show the path we’re headed on if we don’t reroute. Already, there are those who have to declare bankruptcy because of their medical bills. Generations who feel the weight of debt when their loved ones have a disease or disability and subpar insurance. And to be frank, even those with “great insurance” still are denied or have to pay ridiculous amounts of money for care.
Over the last almost-15 years, I’ve accrued hundreds of thousands of dollars of medical debt. I am not alone in my experience. We live in a country that purposely keeps its people hurting and financially struggling for profit. It doesn’t need to be this way — other countries have proven that — yet the healthcare/insurance system here is predatory, and everyone is suffering. Even if you haven’t experienced medical debt in your lifetime, someone you love will.
I knew that Climate of Chaos would be a story that’s relatable to the majority of those living in America. I wrote this book so people know they aren’t alone in their struggle. I think that this story shows what can happen when we don’t stand up for ourselves and allow our government to decide who’s worth saving.
Climate of Chaos does not shy away from showing corruption on all sides, from the corporate power of Aegis to the resistance group Still Alive. Why was it important for you to complicate the idea of “good guys vs. bad guys” within the context of the novel?
Because all humans are fallible and there is no such thing as “good guys vs. bad guys” when it comes to power. We are all different shades of morally gray, and hopefully, we choose right from wrong, but when power comes into play, a lot of times, you’ll find people who think they are good aren’t quite as good as they think. Even Fox faces her own moral dilemma when she chooses to save Rabbit. In this story, there are those on both sides who do the right thing when least expected and those who prefer to do the wrong thing when least expected. I wanted to keep the readers guessing, and I really wanted to show that in any given situation — especially when it comes to survival and power — sometimes the ones you love most will let you down, but also, sometimes the ones you trust least will rise to the occasion and be there for you. That’s one of the most interesting things about humanity.
You never really know the core of a person until you find yourself in a situation that’s life or death or when someone is given wealth and power. And even in those instances, the result can change from one disaster to the next.
Within the plot, Fox’s chronic pain and use of a cane are integral to her story, not something she “overcomes” but something she lives with and learns to find creative solutions to adapt to. Can you speak to how your portrayal of Fox contributes to disability representation, especially in a genre that often sidelines or erases disabled characters?
I’ve lived with chronic pain for almost 15 years now and have not found a way to overcome it, much as I’ve tried or wished to, yet I still live a full life. I purposely wrote Fox to be a disabled person existing in the only way she remembers — in pain, fighting to get from dawn to dusk so she can face another day. Sometimes the pain is less. Sometimes it’s full-force front and center. Sometimes she pushes herself beyond her means, and sometimes she gives herself grace and takes the break she deserves. Such is life in a disabled body.
The world waits for no one. I really wanted to show that for her reality. Not just in the big moments, but in the quiet ones, too. Fox doesn’t get a say in when her body decides to betray her, but she does get a say in how she faces the world. Sometimes she makes the right choices, and sometimes she pays for pushing herself to the limits.
Your disability does not define who you are, what you’ll become, or the life you will lead. It is just a part of you. But it’s a part you need to acknowledge the limits of, or you’ll find yourself struggling even more than usual. Too often, stories focus on what a disabled person can’t or shouldn’t do, if disabled people are included in the cast of characters at all. I really wanted to focus on what Fox can do within the constraints of what her body allows.
Do you see Climate of Chaos as the beginning of a series? If so, can you share anything about what readers might expect in the next installment? Are there any themes or characters you’d be excited to explore further?
Oh, they can expect a lot of carnage, chaos, and redemption! I can’t speak too much about it yet, but I can say that the sequel will live up to its name. I’m really excited to show Fox’s found family fighting the odds and reclaiming what was stolen from them, as well as showing some beloved relationships growing, while others dissolve, and how Fox uses them all to her advantage. And mostly, I’m excited for Fox to finally get revenge on a particular person for what they’ve done to her and her sister Rabbit… Trust me when I say it will be memorable.
Finally, if you could offer one piece of advice to teens who see themselves in Fox, whether it’s because of their disability, grief, or a feeling of being caught between broken systems, what would it be?
You are not alone. I know how much you’re hurting, but I promise you are worthy of a life of love and happiness. Never forget that. Although it’s unfair, the only way to change our circumstances is to allow ourselves to be the change. It doesn’t even have to be big and world-shattering. It can be in the small, day-to-day moments: helping yourself, helping others, giving yourself grace, fighting for your rights, and voting for those who will protect them and you.
Do not be afraid to believe in yourself and the life you dream of. Do not be embarrassed to ask for help or set boundaries to protect yourself. Do not be afraid to want more than our country is willing to give you. You are our future, and you can break the cycle. You deserve so much; don’t ever let anyone make you forget your worth.
Thank you so much, Cassandra, for participating in our interview. It was amazing to learn more about the process behind your powerful and complex themes in Climate of Chaos. Don’t forget to add it to your TBR, along with her other books, like Things I’ll Never Say.
Want to connect with Cassandra Newbould? Follow her on Instagram, TikTok, and her website!
YEM Author Interview: Cassandra Newbould chats about touch on mental health and grief in her book Things I’ll Never Say
yemagazine BlogBooksBooks - InterviewsInterview November 2, 2023 6:00am 1,423
Cassandra Newbould Is the author of Things I’ll Never Say. Things I’ll Never Say follows a teen girl struggling to find herself in life and in love after losing her twin brother to the opioid crisis. The novel explores teen mental health and navigating grief. YEM was able to speak with Cassandra about what writing the debut novel taught her, when she knew she wanted to touch on mental health and grief in her book, and who is an author that inspires her.
Young Entertainment Mag: When did you first know that you wanted to be a writer?
Cassandra Newbould: I’ve written and made up stories my entire life but didn’t consider writing professionally until about 2016.
YEM: What was the inspiration for writing Things I’ll Never Say?
Cassandra: When I was a teen my boyfriend died of an overdose, and sadly, some of my other friends over the next few years passed also. Writing Things I’ll Never Say was a tribute to those I’ve loved and lost. I think readers can relate to TINS because America has been suffering from an opioid epidemic for a while now and a lot of families are affected.
YEM: As your debut novel, what did writing Things I’ll Never Say teach you about yourself?
Cassandra: It taught me that writing can be cathartic. That creating stories is a way to heal, not just for readers but the authors too. And that first and foremost, I discovered I’m a dreamer who really enjoys getting to share my imagination with the world.
YEM: What was the process of writing Things I’ll Never Say like?
Cassandra: This particular story wouldn’t leave my head so it was a fast drafting process. I spent about 2 months writing whenever I had time to spare and then another couple of weeks editing it. During that time I parted ways with my former agent. When I was ready to query again, I signed with my agent right away and we spent another week polishing TINS before we went on sub. TINS sold in less than 2 months.
YEM: Did you know you wanted to touch on mental health and grief in your book from the start?
Cassandra: Definitely. They are both subjects that are very important to me. I wanted to make sure I incorporated them into my story in a way that was relatable and empathetic. Some of the only universal experiences we as humans go through are death and loss. I wanted TINS to be a safe space for anyone looking for a story like TINS and to let them know they aren’t alone.
As someone who has PTSD, as well as anxiety and ADHD, I also wanted to write a story that revolved around mental health and how it can affect your life, especially when it comes to loss.
YEM: What do you hope your readers will take away from reading Things I’ll Never Say?
Cassandra: I hope readers are comforted in knowing it’s okay to not be okay. That grief comes in waves and can be lifelong, and that all feelings are valid when it comes to losing someone.
YEM: Do you have any advice for someone who wants to be a writer?
Cassandra: Write the stories that make your heart sing. Life is too short to struggle, so if you’ve lost the voice or the plot and are finding no forward progress in your draft, don’t be afraid to switch it up and write something else!
YEM: What is a quote or scene from Things I’ll Never Say that is your favorite?
Cassandra: Scar Squad For Life!
YEM: What genre would you like to explore next in your writing?
Cassandra: Fantasy.
YEM: Who is an author that inspires you?
Cassandra: Alechia Dow
YEM: Are you writing anything coming out in the future?
Cassandra: Yes! My YA dystopian IF I SURVIVE:
Ashley Hearn at Peachtree Teen has acquired If I Survive, a post-apocalyptic YA by Cassandra Newbould (Things I’ll Never Say). In dystopic Seattle, healthcare is currency, the privileged live inside weather-proof domed cities—and Aegis Corp controls it all. Disabled medical mercenary Fox LaRosa fights for health equity, but when her sister disappears and becomes a political pawn, Fox will stop at nothing to get her back. Publication is slated for summer 2025; Ernie Chiara at Fuse Literary negotiated the deal for world rights.
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Cassandra Newbould
Author Spotlight: Cassandra Newbould
May 14, 2021
We are pleased to feature author Cassandra Newbould and her debut YA anthology EVERY BODY SHINES: SIXTEEN STORIES ABOUT LIVING FABULOUSLY FAT (Bloomsbury, June 8, 2021).
Illustration © Thaddeus Coates; design by John Candell
Tell us about yourself and how you came to write/edit for teens.
I am a stay-at-home mom of 3 living in the Pac NW. I suppose I've always been a storyteller, which doesn't surprise me since it runs in the family. My dad has this magical ability to capture an entire room for hours with his stories and so I had a great role model to learn from. As my kids were growing up I created stories for them in the same way my dad did for my sister and me. Then I was in a horrific accident in 2010 and for the next couple of years I was pretty much housebound due to my injuries. It was during that time that my husband and kids encouraged me to start writing down the stories that I was making up. So I did. In a way, it's been a lifesaver for me. Especially during my worst pain flares which still happen more often than I'd like. When I can't get outside and move my body the way I'd like, my characters do it for me. I've always gravitated towards writing MG and YA. Now that my kids are older, I have really appreciated being able to talk with them about what's going on in their lives and the current issues and joys teens experience today, and incorporate that into my writing. I think I got serious about writing in 2014. That's when I knew I wanted to try to share my imagination with the world, and that's when I started my journey to become a published author.
Congrats on your forthcoming YA anthology, Every Body Shines! Please tell us about this and what inspired you.
Thank you! Every Body Shines is a YA intersectional feminist anthology celebrating body diversity and fat acceptance. 16 stories written by 16 fat authors featuring fat MCs in a variety of genres and situations where they get to shine. I've spent my entire life in a body that was constantly changing, but for the majority of that time, I've been fat. And for a long time I always felt like that was a bad thing because the world was constantly telling me it was. When I was a teen there weren't many books featuring bodies that looked like mine. Especially ones that showed those people getting their heart's desire. Luckily, that is changing and I am so grateful and thankful that our collection gets to be a part of that change. Diverse intersectional stories like the ones in EBS help open the door to self confidence, self acceptance, and comfortable body neutrality.
All too often, life tells us we have to change our size to fit society's narrative before we can get what we want. In Every Body Shines, society's narrative changes to fit our MCs. I think the world should spend more time encouraging kids to enjoy their lives now and to not hold back.
Was your road to publication long and winding, short and sweet, or something in between?
It was relatively short. I queried around January and found a home at New Leaf Literary. We went on sub in late July and had a book deal with Bloomsbury by October. The majority of the time in between querying and sub was spent finding the most amazing contributors to work with and putting together a beautiful proposal alongside my own champion, my agent Jordan Hamessley.
What projects are you working on now?
I am working on a MG fantasy, a YA novel in verse, and a secret project with a few awesome people.
What advice would you give to someone who wants to edit or create an anthology?
Expect the unexpected, don't be overwhelmed by the paperwork, and enjoy the ride!
What is something most people don't know about you?
I am really, really good at poker.
Where can people find you online?
You can find me on Twitter at @CassNwrites and for my podcast Fat Like Me, a show that celebrates body diversity in kidlit @FatLikeMePod and I'm on IG at @cass_catalano_newbould
Cassandra Newbould is the creator and host of the Fat Like Me podcast and community. Fat Like Me is a show where Cass chats all things fat with authors, entertainers, and activists about life, the arts, and why we desperately need more body diversity in kidlit today. As a writer of middle grade and young adult fiction, Cassandra creates stories where kids of all sizes can see themselves featured as the main character and not just the funny fat friend.
Newbould, Cassandra EVERY BODY SHINES Bloomsbury (Teen None) $18.99 5, 25 ISBN: 978-1-5476-0607-8
Authors unite around body-celebrating fiction.
Aubrey Gordon writes movingly about fat friendships and community in the introduction to this 16-story anthology, and readers might describe its stories as an assortment of fat friends holding out hands of welcome. Consisting primarily of contemporary realistic fiction, the volume also includes some speculative fiction entries. It starts out strong, with Claire Kann’s “Guilt Trip” really speaking to the book’s title as it follows a young Black musician who has a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to stand onstage next to her favorite music group. In “Weightless,” a labyrinthine story with an intriguing premise, Sheena Boekwig presents a White math prodigy sent on a world-saving space mission who has a hard time believing anyone will value her genius when her large body is a costly addition to the ship. Kelly deVos and Monique Gray Smith refreshingly celebrate fat girls doing sports. A number of other stories similarly have fantastic hooks and characters diverse in ethnicity, gender identity, and sexuality, but in too many cases they read like novels rewritten and compressed to fit a page limit. While undeniably earnest and filling an important niche, this collection contains multiple entries that expend too much energy on proving that they adhere to the theme at the expense of other elements.
A valuable and thoughtful prompt inspires sincere but uneven contributions. (author bios) (Anthology. 12-16)
Copyright: COPYRIGHT 2021 Kirkus Media LLC
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"Newbould, Cassandra: EVERY BODY SHINES." Kirkus Reviews, 15 Apr. 2021. Gale General OneFile, link.gale.com/apps/doc/A658194602/ITOF?u=schlager&sid=bookmark-ITOF&xid=b646062b. Accessed 26 Nov. 2025.
NEWBOULD, Cassandra. Every Body Shines: Sixteen Stories About Living Fabulously Fat. 320p. Bloomsbury May 2021. Tr $18.99. ISBN 9781547606078.
Gr 8 Up--Newbould's anthology is a feminist take on intersectional body diversity and fat acceptance. The collection includes a foreword by Aubrey Gordon, creator of the Your Fat Friend site and podcast, and stories by authors including Nafiza Azad, Alex Gino, Francina Simone, and Renee Watson. This inclusive compilation features short stories about fat girls, boys, and nonbinary teens with various sexualities and backgrounds: characters are Black, Indian, Muslim, Chinese, and more. The stories highlight a number of genres and settings--from the hockey arena to outer space and prom shopping to the softball field. Empowering and reflective, these stories tackle finding your voice, even if "well-meaning" family members may not know how to show love the way it is needed. The common thread throughout these selections is that fat characters are centered, not sidelined; they are bold and bright, demanding to be seen. In Gordon's moving foreword, she concludes, "Telling stories like the ones in this collection--and stories like yours--is part of how we change the world around us." VERDICT These characters should be seen in all collections. Recommended for both school and public libraries.--Lisa Krok, Morley Lib., Cleveland, OH
Copyright: COPYRIGHT 2021 A wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
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Krok, Lisa. "NEWBOULD, Cassandra. Every Body Shines: Sixteen Stories About Living Fabulously Fat." School Library Journal, vol. 67, no. 5, May 2021, pp. 87+. Gale General OneFile, link.gale.com/apps/doc/A661255312/ITOF?u=schlager&sid=bookmark-ITOF&xid=46e9c01c. Accessed 26 Nov. 2025.
Every Body Shines: Sixteen Stories about Living Fabulously Fat.
Ed. by Cassandra Newbould. May 2021. 320p. Bloomsbury, $18.99 (9781547606078). Gr. 9-12.
Whether they're comfortable with their own bodies or not, the fat characters in this anthology of YA stories know that society is definitively not OK with their size. These stories range in tone and even genre--some characters are faced with finding the perfect outfit for a school dance, others change their diets for some one else's approval, others save a whole community in outer space--but share an undercurrent of the emotional toll being fat in the world imposes. Among the 16 stories, particularly charming standouts include Kelly deVos' "Outside Pitch," about a girl and her mother's catfishing scheme; Cassan dra Newbould's cyclical "Shatter," which is reminiscent of Russian Doll; and "Dupatta Diaries," by Nafiza Azad, about a girl facing her mothers disapproval of her weight. As this is an intersectional feminist collection, readers can expect diverse takes on the experience of living as a fat person in modern times: readers can expect to find characters of different gender identities, sexual orientations, cultural heritages, and race. No longer relegated to comedic relief or token sidekick, these fat teens, who are given multidimensional personalities, face troubles beyond others' views of their size and are given room to cultivate their own identities. A broad selection of genres makes this appealing to an expansive swath of socially conscious readers. --Abby Hargreaves
Copyright: COPYRIGHT 2021 American Library Association
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Hargreaves, Abby. "Every Body Shines: Sixteen Stories about Living Fabulously Fat." Booklist, vol. 117, no. 17, 1 May 2021, p. 45. Gale General OneFile, link.gale.com/apps/doc/A662304617/ITOF?u=schlager&sid=bookmark-ITOF&xid=7d65e3be. Accessed 26 Nov. 2025.
Newbould, Cassandra THINGS I'LL NEVER SAY Peachtree Teen (Teen None) $18.99 6, 6 ISBN: 9781682635964
After her twin's death, a teen journals as an exercise in sorting out her grief, anxiety, and crushes on her two best friends.
This debut is told mostly in epistolary form, mixing Casey Jones' letters with occasional verse as she writes down all the things she'll never get a chance to say to Sammy, her twin who died of an opioid overdose 17 months prior. Between the crushing weight of survivor's guilt and the crushes bisexual Casey has on both Benjamin Dean and Francesca Romero, the other members of the siblings' tightknit friend group, her anxiety is spiraling out of control and the already narrow gap between casual drug use and a dangerous addiction is shrinking. One fateful night, Ben kisses Casey; at the same party, Casey sees Frankie kissing another girl. She'll have to decide if honesty is really the best policy when you've got crushes on two of your friends at the same time. Though the slang used will soon feel dated, readers will appreciate getting to know a gritty, complicated protagonist who has a frank, matter-of-fact vibe about the darkness in her life. Casey is many things--fat, queer, a grieving sister, a surfer, and someone struggling with anxiety. Newbould also successfully normalizes consensual nonmonogamous relationships for teens. Frankie is Puerto Rican; other main characters read White.
A forceful exploration of the complexities of love and loss. (content warning, resources) (Fiction. 14-18)
Copyright: COPYRIGHT 2023 Kirkus Media LLC
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"Newbould, Cassandra: THINGS I'LL NEVER SAY." Kirkus Reviews, 15 Apr. 2023. Gale General OneFile, link.gale.com/apps/doc/A745234638/ITOF?u=schlager&sid=bookmark-ITOF&xid=c0526d8c. Accessed 26 Nov. 2025.
Newbould, Cassandra CLIMATE OF CHAOS Peachtree Teen (Teen None) $19.99 7, 15 ISBN: 9781682637579
Residents of Cascadia, an environmentally devastated Pacific Northwest region, have a choice: fend for themselves in the lawless, storm-battered wild or endure lifelong servitude as citizens of the Aegis Corporation in return for food, shelter, and healthcare.
Small, independent communities, like the Conclave on Bainbridge Island, where Fox LaRosa lives, have survived outside Seattle's Zones for 122 years. But with a lethal virus known as the Vi spreading unchecked, fear drives some people to trade their freedom for citizenship's benefits--even though it comes with risks. Resisting orders can be fatal; a future as body parts awaits many at Harvest House. When her sister, Rabbit, is detained by Aegis in Seattle, Fox and her friends become determined to rescue her, contravening the Conclave's decision. Fox, best friend Cely, ex-boyfriend Asher, and fellow Conclave member Eamon infiltrate Aegis in search of Rabbit. Using an extendable cane (with a hidden blade) for the chronic hip pain she experiences following a childhood injury, Fox endures exhausting trials and revisits her feelings for Asher. When Rabbit is publicly paraded as someone who's immune to the Vi and possessing antibodies that are essential to the vaccine, Fox becomes skeptical about the Vi's origin and spread. Readers seeking robust worldbuilding and a detailed backstory for this setting may be disappointed, but the fast-paced, well-executed, suspense-driven plot will keep them entertained. Fox and Rabbit present white, and the diverse cast of secondary characters adds depth.
An exciting, high-stakes story offering relevant social commentary.(Post-apocalyptic. 14-18)
Copyright: COPYRIGHT 2025 Kirkus Media LLC
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"Newbould, Cassandra: CLIMATE OF CHAOS." Kirkus Reviews, 1 June 2025. Gale General OneFile, link.gale.com/apps/doc/A841814645/ITOF?u=schlager&sid=bookmark-ITOF&xid=257ed350. Accessed 26 Nov. 2025.
Climate of Chaos. By Cassandra Newbould. July 2025. 384P. Peachtree Teen, $19.99 (9781682637579). Gr. 9-12.
Catastrophic storms that are measured in minuscule numbers of survivors and a particularly virulent strain of a deadly illness sweeping into the Pacific Northwest are not Fox's main concerns. No, the reason she abandons her life as a Still Alive mercenary to become an Aegis Corporation citizen is her sister's kidnapping by that same company. In order to rescue Rabbit, Fox and her friends go undercover as candidates joining Aegis' military police, and they discover along the way that Aegis, a company that functions through medical extortion, is somehow up to something even more nefarious. As with many next-generation dystopian novels, the complex world building does rely slightly on genre conventions to shortcut extended exposition, but both the terminology and setting details are largely conveyed through commendably natural character dialogue. Despite adhering to the plot structure popularized by Veronica Roth's Divergent (2011), the details within that structure are rarely predictable and always engaging. This is in part due to Fox's physical disability, an almost unheard-of trait in dystopian protagonists. Fox's narration at first more often serves as an approachable introduction to chronic pain than casual representation, but as time goes on, she firmly establishes herself as the cane-wielding menace disabled readers deserve to see. This stellar series opener is a must-read for dystopian fans old and new. --Austin Ferraro
Copyright: COPYRIGHT 2025 American Library Association
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Ferraro, Austin. "Climate of Chaos." Booklist, vol. 121, no. 19-20, June 2025, p. 96. Gale General OneFile, link.gale.com/apps/doc/A847198172/ITOF?u=schlager&sid=bookmark-ITOF&xid=aa280736. Accessed 26 Nov. 2025.
Review: Climate of Chaos by Cassandra Newbould
July 28, 2025 inautopiastateofmind Leave a comment
Climate of Chaos almost felt like watching a science fiction unfold through the sister of the chosen one. The one who has to figure out how to pick up the pieces, to realize there’s more going on, and who has to fight their way back. Keep reading this book review of Climate of Chaos for my full thoughts.
Summary
In dystopic Seattle, storms have devastated Earth’s population, a new virus is spreading, and the privileged live inside domes controlled by Aegis Corp. Healthcare is earned by hours accrued working in Aegis’s pharmaceutical factories. If you run short on hours, you’re sent to the Harvest House for debt collection—a place few return from in one piece.
After a storm killed seventeen-year old Fox LaRosa’s parents and left her disabled, Fox and her younger sister Rabbit join their fugitive aunt’s mercenary group Still-Alive. Their mission is to restore the imbalance of medical access for post-storm survivors.
But when a med supply heist goes south, Rabbit is taken captive, and Still-Alive refuses to rescue her. Fox must choose between duty and family, and leaves home to infiltrate Aegis’ interior domes where Rabbit is being held hostage. The more Fox learns about life in the domes, though, the more she realizes Still-Alive isn’t as altruistic as they claim. In a world where everyone is out for themselves, Fox must rely on those she trusts least in order to reunite with her sister and expose both Aegis and Still-Alive for who they really are.
Review
(Disclaimer: I received this book from the publisher. This has not impacted my review which is unbiased and honest.)
Climate of Chaos is the best recent science fiction YA book I’ve read. The world, the dystopian vibes, and the technology were so spot on. I loved the ways in which Newbould asks questions about how we view bodies, their usefulness, and society in the future. It’s a world in which we only watch out for ourselves, in which our lives are a hairs breadth away from destruction. A society where they have all these lives which they deem acceptable to lose. Climate of Chaos is a story about what we would sacrifice for community, ourselves, and the cause. And what happens when it doesn’t work both ways.
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At its core, this book is about sisterhood, but it’s also about unraveling the lies we have been told about the world. With cutthroat competition and this dystopian vibe, this world will wrap you up. It manages to be nostlagic, while also being incredibly unique as well. Climate of Chaos is solid and I felt like the setting and world was the strongest. We often read stories about the Chosen One, the One who runs headfirst into danger. But what about all of us on the sidelines? The ones who love the Chosen Ones? Climate of Chaos asks us this story while continually challenging out expectations and the twists!
Find Climate of Chaos on Goodreads, Storygraph, Amazon, Bookshop. org, Blackwells, & Libro. fm.