It's Not Your Fault That You're Overweight: A Story of Enlightenment, Empowerment, and Accomplishment for Overweight and Obese Kids; Boys' Edition [Paperback]

Merilee A. Kern (Author), Jerry DeCrotie (Illustrator)

Book Description

Age Level: 8 and up | Grade Level: 3 and up

It's Not Your Fault That You're Overweight is a fictional children's story depicting the life of Matt, who typifies the average overweight American kid as he encounters the emotional and physical challenges associated with an adolescent overweight condition. The story culminates with Matt overcoming these challenges and improving his health condition by better understanding the importance of good nutrition and exercise, and through an increased awareness of the overwhelming number of social pressures, corporate persuasions, media-perpetuated temptations, and other cultural influences that adversely affect his ability to make healthy choices. The story not only portrays how America's children have been culturally programmed into obesity, but also empowers its young readers to recognize the constant stream of negative influences encountered daily, to make decisive changes in their lifestyle and, in doing so, to get on track toward a lifetime of health and wellness.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Grade 3–5—While these fictionalized stories will be helpful in lessening children's self-blame about obesity and empowering them to improve their lives, they are extremely simplified and make the process of losing weight seem much easier than it really is. They also assume that parents are willing (and able) to change the family's eating habits. The texts are identical, except for the names of the characters. Matt (in the boys' edition) and Patty (in the girls' edition), both 10, have made some unhealthy choices that have caused them to become severely overweight. Finally, a pediatrician explains the dangers of obesity, and the children and their parents commit to a healthy lifestyle. These books show how both characters overcome outside influences and begin to make better decisions for themselves. Black-and-white full-page drawings, in a coloring-book style, appear throughout. These books will help educate children, obese or not, about health issues, as well as the social implications of being overweight.—Kristen M. Todd, Middle Country Public Library, Centereach, NY
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About the Author

Merilee A. Kern is a life-long fitness enthusiast and a former bodybuilding champion, having previously won the titles of "Miss South Florida" and "Miss Palm Coast." Participating in sports throughout her youth, Merilee has spent all of her adult years devoted to good nutrition, fitness, and healthy living—a lifestyle that she, together with her husband whom she met at the gym, now impart on their two young children. Merilee, who owns and operates Kern Communications--a boutique public relations and marketing communications agency--earned both her Master of Business Administration and Bachelor of Science degree from Nova Southeastern University in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 8 and up
  
• Paperback: 68 pages
• Publisher: Starbound Books (November 15, 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1587365669
• ISBN-13: 978-1587365669
• Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 7.5 x 0.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,372,042 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)