Kelly Coon is an educator with more than twenty years' writing experience. She was executive editor for Blue Ocean Brain, a high school English teacher, and is a published fiction and nonfiction author for teens and adults. She's written articles for The Washington Post, Scary Mommy, ThoughtCo, and more.

"Tess Holliday is someone I've long admired for how she shows up in the world for herself and others by pushing boundaries and trailblazing new paths for all of us. Take Up Space, Y'all is an unapologetic anthem to discovering and celebrating all of the facets of ourselves and to nourishing our continued evolution. Together, Tess and Kelly have crafted a powerful and important book."

"Gosh, I love this book . . . If only I had it when I was growing up! Written in a language and tone that is like having a conversation with your bestie who loves you to bits (and also happens to know a ton more than you do), Tess's vibrant spirit spills out of the pages, encouraging us to stop putting our trust and focus outside of ourselves, and instead to look inward. From debunking social media, to giving solid guidance for self-care and confidence building, Tess reminds us that we all have our own unique, great-big-beautiful soul that deserves to shine. And the moment we stop trying to shove ourselves into a mold that isn't made for us, that's when we start to soar."

"Tess Holliday and Kelly Coon's wonderfully practical and brilliantly informative book is pitch perfectly age-appropriate and incredibly fun! It encourages the reader to look at their developing selves and navigate new situations with curiosity, creativity and a deep sense of kindness for themselves and the rest of the world."

"Plus-size supermodel and activist Holliday empowers readers to reject traditional beauty norms and love themselves, inside and out. . . . A breezy, accessible, and uplifting guide to body positivity."--Kirkus Reviews

"In a supportive, energetic tone, Holliday and Coon guide readers in learning how to love themselves and develop their own relationships with food, fashion, and friends. For any readers who feel they have to change themselves to fit in, this is an encouraging message to be their most authentic selves."--Booklist

"This work offers valuable insights and strives to empower teens to embrace who they are."--School Library Journal