Being you The body image book for boys

This long-overdue book about positive body image for boys is packed full of accessible text, Q & As, medical advice, personal anecdotes, quotes, quizzes, lists, myth-busters, and advice from older guys to younger guys, all set off in eye-catching graphics. There are three authors: an eating behavior blogger (a mature woman), a mature male developmental psychologist, and a PhD candidate who specializes in eating, education, and public policy who says his main job is keeping his two colleagues from sounding overly out-of-touch. Their combined tone comes across as authoritative, empathetic, and reassuring. Chapters wind their way through puberty and nutrition basics, concentrating on the importance of maintaining healthy physical, mental, and social habits. Additional topics consider self-acceptance, activity and energy levels, diets, food fads, and supplements. Back matter includes a chart of positive body image social-media influencers, a glossary, and contact information for the individuals who have contributed to the book. Whether read by young men or the adults who care about them, and equally effective if perused cover-to-cover or dipped into for quick consultation, this visually engaging and unique offering provides accurate information and straightforward advice on a timely, often overlooked topic.

Following Markey's The Body Image Book for Girls (2020), this title co-authored with Hart and Zacher offers an extended pep talk aimed at tween and teen boys. Bolstered by personal statements and advice from dozens of interviewees in their midteens to mid-20s--including one who discusses his transition, another who is gay and Black, a little person, and a 15-year-old with diabetes--the co-authors, academics from the field of psychology, urge readers to be comfortable in their own skins rather than trying to be like celebrities, influencers, or professional athletes. The approach isn't so much "anything goes" as common-sensical; aside from occasional strictures against, for instance, nutritional supplements, sexting, and food fads, the general course recommended is a middle one. Occasional fast food or soda is OK so long as there is plenty of fresh and home-prepared food in the mix; exercise is important but shredded abs are not; and self-compassion achieves better results than setting unrealistic goals. The increasing obesity of American youth receives a single glancing mention, and the book supports the Health at Every Size framework. The research-based content, backed up by checklists, quotes from doctors, and resources, lends heft to the upbeat message. While debunking the myth that boys are not susceptible to eating disorders, the focus is less on problems than finding ways to acknowledge them and move on. The illustrations are mostly diagrams or graphic-style spot art. The positivity is relentless, but anxious readers may be left feeling a bit less pressured. (glossary, index) (Nonfiction. 12-16) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.