Common Sense Note
Parents need to know that this book was written not only as a resource for parents, but as a guide for adolescent girls who struggle with weight issues. This is not a book about diets or quick fixes; instead, over 12 chapters, Dr. Susan acknowledges the sudden changes to the body caused by puberty and genetic factors that are seemingly beyond control (she also talks about other factors teens have more control over, such as the impact of alcohol). She offers ways for parents to support without micro-managing, discusses how emotions play a role in what we eat, and offers alternatives for teens who don't like exercise.
Families who read this book can talk about the title and cover art. Why would the author put "weight loss" in the title, instead of focusing on health? What do you think about the cover models? Would you have been as likely to pick it up if the girls on the front had been heavier?
Also, the book might help parents talk with their kids about several sensitive issues, from their own weight struggles, to the family diet, and how family members can be supportive -- rather than critical -- of each other's bodies. Parents can start by asking teens which chapter was the most informative. What did they read that really surprised them? Was there something they really related to?
Common Sense Review
Reviewed By: Pam Gelman
The title might be somewhat alarming for parents, but really it's just a hook to get readers. After all, many girls spend a lot of time and energy obsessing about their weight, sometimes employing dangerous methods to control it. This smart book isn't about diets -- it's about helping girls understand that their weight is about more than what they eat.
Dr. Susan helps girls understand the genetics, the physiology, and the psychology that play critical roles in weight gain and loss. Even better, she writes about these factors in terms that girls will understand, and with kindness and a bit of humor.
She also employs another clever tool to connect with her teen readers -- other teen girls. She formed an advisory group of 12 preteen and teen girls who read, discussed, edited her book, and then added their own real life experiences. Their voices add an authenticity than is not found in other weight loss guides.
Polka dot pink graphics, quick quizzes on self control, body type, self-love and food attitude, and a multitude of tips from teens and Dr. Susan make this a book older tweens and teens will want to read from cover to cover.
This book is also a guide for parents to gain a better understanding of what their daughter is feeling about her weight, providing them with advice on how to offer support without alienating her. Parents will likely use this book differently than their daughters by picking and choosing chapters to read. Even so, it's well worth having on the shelf.
From The Book
Terrific Teen Tip: (Carol, age 16) I started to dance when I was three years old and I loved it. But when I was fourteen, I started comparing myself to the girls in my class. They were mostly tiny, thin, and flat-chested. On the other hand, I was wearing a 34C bra and I was 5'7". I wasn't fat, but I certainly didn't have a ballerina body any more. At first I was really upset because I saw that I would never be a ballerina. But then I realized that wasn't what I wanted anyway. I wanted to go to college and thought that I might be a writer or a fashion designer. But I didn't want to give up dancing all together, because it made me feel good. So I started to take an adult dance class, where everyone's bodies were totally different. I also became an assistant for a nursery school ballet class. I was able to continue dancing without feeling bad about my body. It was the perfect compromise for me!
Plot Summary:
Dr. Susan starts this guide with introductory words about how parents can use this book; and then in a separate section she writes "for the girls" about what they can expect from reading it.
Each of the 12 chapters covers a specific issue in weight gain: liking your body and taking control, puberty, genes, fashion, feelings and eating, family patterns, diets, real eating, eating out healthy, eating disorders and exercise. Within each chapter are tips from teens that are highlighted in pink, and more from Dr. Susan that are often bulleted (with pink flowers or hearts).
In her concluding chapter, the author provides her email address, asking readers to let her know how this book helped. She also provides lists of Web sites, books, and other useful stuff.
Related Books:
Great Books for Girls About Real Stuff
Girl Power: Young Women Speak Out by Hillary Carlip
Heroines: Great Women Through the Ages by Rebecca Hazell
Related Web Site
Dr. Susan's Girl's Only Weight Loss Guide
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Sexual ContentA chapter dedicated to puberty and changes in the body. Discussions of girls feeling self-conscious of their bodies around boys. |
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Social BehaviorTeens learn from other teens about real-life experiences. Guide helps parents understand ways to support girls. |
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Drug/Alcohol/TobaccoDr. Susan refers to the impact of drinking on weight gain. |
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