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Cover of Wintergirls

Young adult · Contemporary fiction

Wintergirls

by Laurie Halse Anderson

3.8 out of 5, from 144 ratings from Hardcover readers

Lia, a teenager battling anorexia, is haunted by the death of her former best friend Cassie, and her grip on recovery weakens as she is pulled further into secrecy and self-destruction.

Facts last checked 2026-10-17

First published
2009
Pace
Medium
Length
Short
Pages
278
Format
Standalone
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Read this if you want an unflinching, lyrical teen novel about eating disorders and grief.

Skip this if you are sensitive to detailed portrayals of anorexia and self-harm.

The feel

Content warnings

  • Eating disorder
  • Self harm
  • Death
  • Mental illness

Also reported by Hardcover readers:

  • Suicidal thoughts
  • Dysphoria
  • Toxic friendship
  • Medical content
  • Body shaming

Quick answers about Wintergirls

What is Wintergirls about?
Lia, a teenager battling anorexia, is haunted by the death of her former best friend Cassie, and her grip on recovery weakens as she is pulled further into secrecy and self-destruction.
Who should read Wintergirls?
Read it if you want an unflinching, lyrical teen novel about eating disorders and grief. Skip it if you are sensitive to detailed portrayals of anorexia and self-harm.
How long and how fast is Wintergirls?
It is a medium-paced, short read of about 278 pages, first published in 2009.
Does Wintergirls have content warnings?
Content we flag: Eating disorder, Self harm, Death, Mental illness.
Can I borrow Wintergirls for free?
Often, yes. Check Libby (OverDrive) to see whether your library lends Wintergirls; the borrow button above searches it for you.

Where to get it

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Young adult

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