Boxborough father and highly productive writer Jarrett Lerner crafts children’s literature tailored for bright underdogs and outsiders, exemplified by the “EngiNerds” series featuring a clique of intellectuals bonded since their kindergarten days, and “Geeger the Robot,” a tale of a robotic student navigating the complexities of friendship in a school setting. His repertoire also includes “A Work in Progress,” a fictionalized portrayal of his own middle school encounters in Wayland, grappling with disordered eating and body dysmorphia. Lerner now engages with students in educational settings, shedding light on the intricacies of the writing process while candidly sharing his struggles with body image and social alienation, breaking the stereotype that such issues are exclusively feminine.
Adolescence, with its challenges like acne, braces, FOMO, and hormonal fluctuations, poses a period of awkwardness universally experienced. Through Lerner’s literary works and presentations, children find solace in knowing they are not alone in their struggles.
What drives your focus on championing the underdog?
My narratives, whether infused with humor or seriousness, consistently revolve around the theme of loneliness and the quest for connection. Central to my stories is the essence of friendship and community: discovering one’s tribe, extending a helping hand, receiving and offering companionship, and the profound impact of these interactions. Each of my creations underscores the beauty and strength derived from forging meaningful relationships.
Middle school proves to be a tumultuous phase where youngsters often feel like outcasts. Your book “Work in Progress” delves into this realm from a personal standpoint.
This work is a fictionalized rendition of my personal journey. Initially hesitant to share this narrative with my agents, editor, and even my spouse, the resounding feedback urged me to delve deeper and transform it into a literary piece.
Embarking on this project marked the most daunting challenge in my career, if not my life. There were moments I contemplated abandoning it, doubting my ability to tour with it and engage in school visits, addressing hundreds of children and adults about such sensitive topics. However, embracing vulnerability, honesty, and seeking support—confronting the most arduous aspects without evasion—proved to be the most gratifying endeavor of my career. The emotional resonance and impact have been profound.
During my sessions, I allocate around 20 to 25 minutes to elucidate the genesis of the book and my personal odyssey, incorporating poems and visuals from the narrative. The subsequent 15 to 20 minutes are dedicated to interactive dialogues, where students share their thoughts and queries. This exchange forms the most enriching facet of the experience, fostering a safe space for dialogue using the book as a catalyst.
The younger generation exhibits a remarkable willingness and enthusiasm to engage in discussions on challenging topics. Witnessing a student bravely narrate her experiences of bullying in front of a diverse audience is truly inspiring. Encouraging empathy and introspection among children has been immensely rewarding.
Could you elaborate on your middle school encounters?
I encountered public body-shaming during elementary school, where I was derogatorily labeled as “fat.” This experience seeded profound insecurities that burgeoned over time. Constant exposure to media glorifying unrealistic body standards exacerbated my self-image struggles.
This distressing journey led me down a path of severe self-criticism and unhealthy habits. From restrictive eating patterns to over-exercising, I spiraled into a cycle of self-punishment and dissatisfaction. Despite achieving physical transformation, the anticipated contentment remained elusive, unveiling the futility of such pursuits.
Body image issues are often stereotyped as a female-centric concern. What insights would you like to impart regarding boys navigating these challenges?
Boys, like girls, are susceptible to a spectrum of emotions. However, societal norms often stigmatize male vulnerability, perpetuating a facade of stoicism and emotional suppression. Redefining masculinity to encompass vulnerability, seeking assistance, and acknowledging emotions as intrinsic to humanity is pivotal. Embracing vulnerability fosters authenticity, enriching relationships and personal well-being.
Navigating adolescence entails grappling with identity formation, societal pressures, and external validations. Addressing body insecurities extends beyond weight concerns to encompass diverse aspects like physical features, fostering a culture of self-acceptance and appreciation.
Reflecting on your own journey, how can parents support their children during the tumultuous middle school phase?
Parents play a pivotal role in fostering open communication and vulnerability within the familial environment. By modeling honesty and vulnerability, parents cultivate a safe space for children to express their struggles and uncertainties. Encouraging dialogue and normalizing emotional challenges instills a sense of acceptance and resilience in children.
Regarding body image and eating disorders, parents should exercise caution in their remarks and behaviors around food. Seemingly innocuous comments can inadvertently trigger harmful thought patterns. Having a good relationship with food and your body image is very important for your overall health.
Sharing resources like Virginia Sole-Smith’s “Fat Talk,” a comprehensive guide on parenting in a diet-centric culture, can offer valuable insights and support.
Is there a perspective parents can offer to help adolescents contextualize the middle school phase?
Middle school epitomizes a period of intense transformation and self-discovery, marked by experimentation and identity exploration. Embracing this phase as a journey of self-exploration and growth, characterized by trial and error, can alleviate the pressures of conformity and societal expectations.
Finding a supportive community that embraces individuality and authenticity is paramount. While the quest for identity may entail challenges and uncertainties, the journey culminates in discovering like-minded individuals who appreciate and accept one’s true self. Encouraging adolescents to navigate this phase with resilience and self-compassion fosters a positive outlook on self-discovery and personal growth.
In essence, fostering an environment of openness, empathy, and self-acceptance empowers adolescents to navigate the complexities of adolescence with confidence and authenticity.