There have been other books about fat children, but few have explored causes and reactions with as much depth and perception as [Dinah and the Green Fat Kingdom]…. [The end of the novel brings] a clearing of the air that promises better future relations, but Holland never promises Dinah a rose garden; she's lost only five pounds, there's been no change in the behavior of her peers, and the new parental rapport is a hopeful sign but not an unrealistic capitulation. The writing style is smooth, with good dialogue and excellent characterization; it is, however, in insight into motivations and relationships that the author excels.