Being You: The Body Image Book for Boys
By Carrie Kingsley,
Common Sense Media Reviewer
Common Sense Media Reviewers
Science-based, inclusive advice is an amazing resource.
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What you will—and won't—find in this book.
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What's the Story?
BEING YOU: THE BODY IMAGE BOOK FOR BOYS uses science, research, and personal stories to answer questions about body, growth, food, exercise, puberty, and more. The authors tackle myths about dieting, body shape, and mental health, including tips for understanding social media influence and impact. There are additional resources listed in each chapter and at the end of the book, all aiming to help young readers develop confidence and a healthy body image.
Is It Any Good?
This superb resource can help equip tweens and teens with the tools they need to thrive and survive the teen years, and emerge with a better understanding of themselves and their own worth. Being You: The Body Image Book for Boys is based on science and cites research with the advice it provides, and balances that with first-person stories from young people who are reflecting on their own experiences with body image. The letter from a transgender child about being body confident is wonderful, and the information about eating, diets, and muscle mass is especially relevant for kids in different stages of puberty and development. The language is straightforward, age appropriate, and inclusive; facts and feelings weave together on the page to help readers understand that they aren't alone in their worries, wonders, or fears. The focus is on taking small, sustainable steps to being healthy and happy in body and mind for their entire lives.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about which parts of Being You: The Body Image Book for Boys are the most relatable. Is that because of the chapter topic or because of the personal examples?
What was new information to you? What did you already know about? What are three main things you took away from reading this?
Did you see yourself or anyone you know in the letters from children in the book?
Book Details
- Authors: Charlotte Markey, Daniel Hart, Douglas Zacher
- Genre: Advice
- Topics: Friendship, Great Boy Role Models, Science and Nature
- Book type: Non-Fiction
- Publisher: Cambridge University Press
- Publication date: April 7, 2022
- Publisher's recommended age(s): 9 - 18
- Number of pages: 252
- Available on: Paperback, Kindle
- Award: Common Sense Selection
- Last updated: April 22, 2022
Did we miss something on diversity?
Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by suggesting a diversity update.
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