 | ON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | PAUSE: Know your child; some content may not be right for some kids. |
 | OFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | NOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age. |
Pretty Face
- By Mary Hogan
- Genre: Coming of Age
Common Sense Media says
Bellisimo book about body image, Italian style.
Parents say
Kids say
QUALITY
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that the main character decides to have sex with her Italian boyfriend, but the scene is barely described. She also drinks some wine with her meals with permission from the family she is staying with. In the end, she learns a valuable lesson about accepting herself as a whole person -- instead of being focused only on her weight.
What's the story?
There's a lot of pressure from her mom -- and her L.A. peers -- to be thin, and Hayley worries that she will never be anything more than the funny friend to the boy that she likes. When her parents send her to a friend's house in Italy, Hayley finds peace that she has never known. She is surrounded by healthy food, a family that enjoys talking, beautiful places to walk -- and even a cute boy who seems to think she is more than just a pretty face.
Is it any good?
Hayley is a funny, spirited character whom readers will quickly identify with. And the descriptions of the Italian countryside, from domestic scenes with her summer family to the special spot her Italian boyfriend takes her to, lend texture and magic to her story.
Readers may at times get tired of all the American bashing, even if a lot of it rings true. Toward the end of the book, for example, Hayley has dinner with a bunch of young Italian kids and is amazed at the sophisticated conversation they have about politics -- in English. Could any place be as ideal as the Italian world the author describes? Probably not. And her portrayal of shallow L.A. is a bit overblown, too: When Hayley arrives back at LAX, the conversations around her are all about nannies, plastic surgery, and agents. In the end, this may be a good book to give teens struggling with body image pressures (read: pretty much every teen). Hayley's journey to become a person living in her "perfect house of me" is both charming -- and inspirational.
What families can talk about
Families can talk about Hayley's criticisms of her L.A. hometown. Not only are the people around her obsessed with their bodies, but they also often choose unhealthy convenience foods -- and drive too much. Ask your kids: Do you find this to be true of where you live too? If so, can you think of any small steps that you could take as a family to become healthier -- inside and out?
Many coming-of-age stories start with an adventure in a foreign land. Can you think of others? What is attractive about this premise? Is it easier to find new insights about yourself when you are away from home?
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- Teens & kids
AGE
I LOVE IT! its entertaining and interesting. i would also recommend for mature kids to read this book. although im going 12 i really dont mind about it ;) i would ALSO wish to eat the serious kiss! I bet its going to be a honourable book !
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AGE
Amazing views on body and lifestyle!
This was an amazing take on body image! I loved how it wasn't "Go on a diet, NO junk food" and it wasn't "Exercise, exercise, EXERCISE!", it was a well rounded view on a healthy lifestyle, with a healthy relationship, healthy eating and exercise, and healthy takes on things like stress. It's also a great book to show that teens WILL be seen as more then that funny gal when they're ready, and that being thin won't change that. I loved how Hayley was such a different person after Italy, I couldn't put it down because it was a such a great read, with such great characters and role models, plus with great views on being healthy, even if you're not a blonde, size 2 supermodel.
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Kid, 12 years old
June 14, 2011
AGE
Amazing!
I am in love with this book! I am 11 years old which might seem a bit young to read a book like this but it barely describes the inappropriate parts. I found this book at my local library and am planning on buying a copy of my own soon. The book is about a teenager having a hard time believing she is beautiful until she visits Umbria, Italy. She learns to change her whole view on herself and the way she sees things and meets a boy whom she falls in love with. I highly recommend this book. Buy it!
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AGE
AWESOME!!!!!!!1
I read this book and I LIVE IT!! Best book in the WHOLE WORLD!!! Plus im only 11 yrs old!!!
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AGE
Loved it!
I loved this book! The message, the writing skills and the characters are heart warming and draw you in. I recommend reading this for anyone twelve or up with certain acceptances because very briefly and not at all in an vulgar way the main character makes love to her summer boyfriend, it is not described except for the kissing but a couple of twelve year olds may find it non appropriate. The book was very very good and I'd recommend it to everyone fourteen and up.
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AGE
i am an 18 year old young adult it was a PERFECT BOOK! not suitable for ages 15 and younger
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AGE
I really Loved this book. It really helped me think about my body, not judging my self as being just fat. As me being myself and not thinking that i am. A lot of my family members always tell me im beautiful and i just say thanks and in my head im like ew. But this book is a wonderful and i wouldn't mind reading more.
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AGE
i love this book it was very good. it made me realize there is more beauty than just a pretty face.
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| Author: | Mary Hogan |
| Book type: | Fiction |
| Genre: | Coming of Age |
| Publisher: | HarperTeen |
| Publication date: | March 25, 2008 |
| Number of pages: | 224 |
| Hardcover price: | $16.99 |
| Publisher's recommended age(s): | 14 - 14 |
| Read aloud: | 14 |
| Read alone: | 14 |
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