Common Sense Media Review
By Kate Pavao
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Fast Food Nation for kids is quite meaty.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 12+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 2 parent reviews
Based on 12 kid reviews
Kids say the book provides a thought-provoking examination of the fast food industry, highlighting both its gruesome realities and the dishonest practices that often go unnoticed; however, several reviewers find it too graphic and biased, making it unsuitable for younger readers. While some appreciate it as an eye-opener that prompts rethinking dietary choices, others argue it lacks the engagement and 'fun' necessary to captivate a younger audience.
- educational value
- graphic content
- biased perspective
- prompts rethinking
- suitable for older readers
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
This book teaches kids the history of fast food, and shows them the impact it has had on society. Kids learn about the chemicals in the food, how junk food is marketed (and why kids make great targets), how animals are raised and killed, and what it is doing to our bodies.
Is It Any Good?
You have to admit, the subject matter is as fascinating as it is repulsive; you don't want to look, and yet you can't turn away. Fast Food Nation fans will certainly recognize much of the material here; this book features many of the same stories and facts about junk food.
Teens may be especially drawn to the profiles of kids throughout the book: The McDonald's employee working long hours at the expense of her school work, the Native American girl working to stop soft drink sales at her school, the obese teen boy worried about having gastric bypass surgery. The photographs seem randomly placed throughout the book, and the narrative can wander a bit. Even so, teens probably will be inspired to rethink their habits.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about their eating habits. How do your kids think they are doing versus most American teens and tweens?
The authors encourage kids to vote with their dollars and "stop buying" junk food from fast-food companies. Ask your kids: Do they think that individual behavior can really make an impact on society? What else could you do to make a difference? Check out the publisher's press release for some ideas.
Book Details
- Authors :
- Genre : Learning
- Book type : Non-Fiction
- Publisher : Houghton Mifflin Children's Books
- Publication date : May 9, 2006
- Publisher's recommended age(s) : 12 - 12
- Number of pages : 270
- Last updated : October 9, 2025
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