The Barnes & Noble Review
Co-author of the bestselling Chicken Soup for the Teenage Soul series, Kimberly Kirberger gives us an inspiriting, dynamic collection of teens' takes on appreciating their bodies and being at peace with their identities. Sparked by numerous letters she'd received from teens about eating disorders and weight problems, Kirberger set out to create a book of short stories, poems, and general words of wisdom to help teens give "themselves the love and acceptance they so desperately need to live healthy, happy lives." In 24 sections -- from "Get to Know Yourself" to "Go Beyond Your Comfort Zone" to "Celebrate Yourself" -- this confidence-building book includes writings by fellow teens who've experienced body image and other issues, and have found the strength to overcome them. Two of the outstanding entries inside are C. S. Dweck's honest story about sticking up for yourself, called "My Moment of Truth," and Alana Levy's farewell letter to bulimia, but all of the perspectives are brave and astute, giving readers welcome pieces of advice that speak loud and clear. With this helpful, esteem-boosting collection in hand, any teens who dislike themselves for not being "good enough" will find getting out of that mind-set easier with Kirberger's support. Shana Taylor
A trio of titles speaks directly to tweens and teens. Kimberly Kirberger, best known as co-author of Chicken Soup for the Teenage Soul, presents No Body's Perfect: Stories by Teens About Body Image, Self-Acceptance, and the Search for Identity. Each of the more than 20 sections ("Get to Know Yourself," "Sweeten Your Self-Talk," "Have Faith," etc.), introduced by Kirberger, contains stories and poems by real teens, as well as inspirational quotes from the likes of Gandhi and Oscar Wilde. A companion No Body's Perfect Journal offers questions for teens to think about and space for writing their responses.
This collection of stories by teens is similar to Kirberger's Chicken Soup for the Teenage Soul books. Its purpose is to help teens understand themselves and encourage them to find help if they need it. These stories are different in that many deal with negative body image and eating disorders, showing the very real pain that teens feel regarding them. Most of the writers are girls, and the audience for this collection is mainly teen girls. The book is organized into twenty-four sections with topics such as "Don't Worry About What Others Think," "Learn From Your Pain," "Embrace Your Uniqueness," "Forgive Yourself," "Ask for Support," and "Celebrate Yourself." Kirberger provides an introduction to each section with advice for the reader about working through problems of self-image and identity. The stories and poems written by the teens can be powerful and dark, especially those describing self-destructive behaviors such as cutting or purposely vomiting. Some offer hope for healing and change. This book can help teen girls understand that they are not alone in their destructive thoughts and behaviors, encouraging them to find help. It can also assist those working with teens to understand them better. The publisher also offers a journal for teens to write their own stories. VOYA Codes: 3Q 3P J S (Readable without serious defects; Will appeal with pushing; Junior High, defined as grades 7 to 9; Senior High, defined as grades 10 to 12). 2003, Scholastic, 384p, Dubois
From the co-author of the endlessly popular Chicken Soup For the Teenage Soul books comes another collection, this time focusing on issues of self-image, body image and self-acceptance. Through short stories, memoirs and poems, a positive message is sent to teens, especially girls. While none of the messages is earth shattering, they will offer students some solace, some hope and some sense of not being alone in the world. KLIATT Codes: JS—Recommended for junior and senior high school students. 2003, Scholastic, 289p.,
— Sarah Applegate
Gr 7 Up-A collection of stories, essays, and poetry written by both teenage girls and adult women who are dealing with body-image issues. The text looks at the idea of self- and body acceptance at a time when "thin is in." Many of the selections were written by survivors of eating disorders. These stories in particular give readers a sense of light at the end of the tunnel. Gently, and at times not so gently, Kirberger's collection coaxes readers to find answers for themselves through the experiences of other teenagers. Though no new ground is broken here, this book will give readers a valid forum to explore the topic.-Elaine Baran Black, Gwinnett County Public Library, Lawrenceville, GA Copyright 2003 Reed Business Information.
