From School Library Journal
Grade 7 Up–A timely, serious look at a national health crisis. Ingram includes a solid base of recent statistics and scientific research in his exploration of the physical phenomenon of obesity and its emotional and social ramifications. The text is packed with information on specific dangers such as increased risks of diabetes, cancer, and other health problems. The author casts a critical eye on the effect of advertising and the availability of fast food, both in and out of school, and covers recent state legislation seeking to inform parents of diagnoses of obesity in their children. While some information is included on achieving weight loss, this book is a more valuable resource for students working on reports rather than for those seeking help. The inclusion of personal stories such as those of Morgan Spurlock, of Super Size Me: A Film of Epic Proportions fame, and Patrick Deuel, whose weight loss from 1072 to 530 pounds has been documented in the press, adds human interest; Ingram consistently maintains a compassionate tone. Bold use of red ink enlivens the text, which unfortunately features a number of black-and-white photographs that are too dark to be effective. Eric Schlosser's Fast Food Nation (2001) and Greg Critser's Fat Land: How Americans Became the Fattest People in the World (2003, both Houghton) both deal with the same material in greater depth and with more finger-pointing; they were written for adults but are appropriate for high school collections.–Joyce Adams Burner, Hillcrest Library, Prairie Village, KS
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
From Booklist
Gr. 8-11. Complete with recent statistics on the extent and consequences of obesity in modern America, this well-organized book offers a broad survey of medical and social problems related to obesity as well as case studies that personalize the discussion. Noting the media's increased attention to the problem, Ingram discusses topics such as the meaning of calories, the causes and effects of obesity, and the place of exercise in a plan for decreasing weight and maintaining health. Back matter includes a glossary, source notes for the many quotes, and suggested resources: books, Internet sites, and the documentary Super Size Me, which is discussed in the chapter "Obesity's Effects on Mind and Body." Although the poor reproduction of photos and unattractive design will do little to draw readers to the book, libraries may want to purchase it because of the timely information offered and the increasing number of students researching this topic for reports and debates. Carolyn Phelan
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved
