Body Image and Appearance: The Ultimate Teen Guide

by Kathlyn Gay

Overview

Body image is a pervasive preoccupation for almost all teens. Nearly every teen has dealt with issues of height, weight, skin, and other features. And many teens have undertaken diets, engaged in body building programs, or resorted to surgery to alter their appearances. In Body Image and Appearance: The Ultimate Teen Guide, author Kathlyn Gay addresses all of these concerns to provide teens with a healthy way to think about themselves. This book tackles such topics as the cultural standards of what a 'perfect' body should look like, methods for changing appearances, and matters related to height, such as dwarfism and height discrimination. Throughout the book, Gay offers advice on how teens can learn to be comfortable with their bodies and move beyond unhealthy preoccupations with size and appearance.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780810866461
Publisher:	Rowman & Littlefield Publishers, Inc.
Publication date:	09/01/2009
Series:	It Happened to Me Series , #26
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Pages:	158
File size:	2 MB
Age Range:	12 - 17 Years

About the Author

Kathlyn Gay is a full-time freelance writer and has authored more than 120 books and articles. She is the author of several titles in the 'It Happened to Me' series for Scarecrow, including Cultural Diversity (2003), Volunteering (2004) Religion and Spirituality in America (2006), and The Military and Teens (2008).
Kathlyn Gay is a full-time freelance writer and has authored more than 120 books and articles. She is the author of several titles in the "It Happened to Me" series for Scarecrow, including Cultural Diversity (2003), Volunteering (2004), The Military and Teens (2008), and Body Image and Appearance (2009).

Editorial Reviews

Gay tackles the somewhat divisive topic of body image using a holistic approach that includes historical perspectives, professional observations, and modern teen viewpoints. Throughout the book, black-and-white photographs and specific examples from different cultures and periods of history reinforce the idea that society shapes our perceptions of beauty. Some teens may be surprised to see the photograph of Lillian Russell, whose curvy figure was idealized by her contemporaries but who would certainly be considered overweight by current trends. The book also contains information on diseases and conditions that affect appearance, such as dwarfism, physical disabilities, and facial disfigurement. Throughout the book are references to contemporary media—books, movies, and music—that deal with these topics. Quotes from actors like Hairspray star Nicole Blonsky, or Peter Dinklage (misspelled "Drinklage" in the book), who have successful careers despite having figures that do not necessarily fit the "ideal" shape, help teens understand and accept body images that are more realistic. Overall it is an excellent resource for teens. The liberal use of quotations and case studies of present-day teens keeps this relevant topic very approachable for readers. Specific source notes follow each chapter, and a complete list of print and online resources appears at the end of the book. Text boxes throughout give interesting tidbits of information with statistics, media references, and historical notes. Some teens will find it useful for reports on the specific subjects covered, whereas others may enjoy it for browsing or pleasure reading. Reviewer: Heather Christensen

VOYA - Heather Christensen

Gr 9 Up—Even though body image is adequately covered in many titles, and there are plenty of books that address issues such as plastic surgery, eating disorders, and body building, this one is different. The author takes a holistic approach to the topic, focusing on more than just girls wanting to be thin and boys wanting to be muscular. There are also chapters on dwarfism and weight bias. The writing is easy to understand and flows well. The book is full of first-person accounts of what it is like to be overweight/short/disfigured, etc. Each chapter includes copious endnotes and a list of resources. A few black-and-white photos appear throughout. A serviceable but not inspired choice.—Robin Henry, Wakeland High School, Frisco, TX

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