From School Library Journal
Grade 6 Up-A useful guide to total fitness. Schwager and Schuerger focus on three broad areas for teenage girls who would like to improve their looks and health: developing a positive self-image, choosing nutritious foods, and exercising regularly. Utilizing humorous line drawings, the authors offer many positive suggestions for ways for youngsters to believe in themselves and develop a mental edge to help them attain their goals. When read cover to cover, the text flows smoothly and logically; many readers, however, will also enjoy skimming sections to find the information they need at the moment. The authors make nutrition interesting with suggestions that are easy to implement into busy schedules, emphasizing that teens who deny themselves their favorite foods or binge regularly are bound to fall into disastrous eating patterns. Add these good nutrition habits to regular, fun exercise, and you complete a package of overall health, energy, and glowing looks for girls who are on the go and full of life. Libraries can't go wrong with this book.
Susan R. Farber, Ardsley Public Library, NYCopyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.
From Booklist
Gr. 6^-12. This useful addition to the self-help genre is both cheerleader and resource, providing valuable advice and information for the teen years. Using an upbeat tone, the authors address the topics of self-esteem, diet, and exercise. Quizzes, quotes, facts, and suggestions break up the extensive text and keep readers engaged. The comprehensive and well-researched guide promotes a healthy, positive lifestyle, not only through useful tips but also through annotated lists of further reading and resources, from professional groups to cookbooks and Web sites. Emphasis is placed on the benefits of exercise: an extensive section on different sports and activities describes what they entail and to whom they might appeal; safety concerns are addressed; and sports opportunities and organizations for the disabled are noted. The authors provide important information on eating disorders, alcohol abuse, and too much exercise, stressing the importance of moderation. Acknowledging that change is a gradual process, this support-system-in-a-book encourages young women to set realistic goals and effectively provides the means to do so.
Shelle Rosenfeld
