Kessler, David. Your Food Is Fooling You.

Kessler, David.  Your Food Is Fooling You.  Roaring Brook Press see Macmillan   2013      183p  ISBN 978-1-59643-831-6  ms/hs  E-BN  Nonfiction

Your Food Is Fooling You is sure to shock young readers as it reveals the “secret” that is leading to obesity, especially in our youth.  Everyone knows that obesity comes from overeating; however, this book reveals what is being added to our foods – sugar, fat, and salt -- that cause us to want to overeat.  Dr. Kessler has written a very informative book that will appeal to young readers.  He has combined a very worrisome issue with facts that young readers will easily understand and ponder. The enlightening text is sure to have youngsters critically evaluating the foods they consume and determining alternative sources of fuel instead of foods that “hijack” our brains.  The mention of child-friendly products such as “Fruit Loops” adds credibility and interest to the discussion.

Unfortunately, there are some typographical errors that distract from the importance of the material.  For example, page 10 is missing the word “be” in a sentence in the middle of the page. Further editing is recommended.

This book is recommended for any middle- or high-school library.  It will appeal to many young readers and would make an excellent selection for a basic books list for school libraries.

Summary: This book explains how the brain is hijacked by sugar, fat, and salt, leading to the inability to choose wholesome foods and the growing global problem of obesity.  Our food is being injected with substances that make us crave more than we need.  These additives – sugar, fat, and salt -- are responsible for feelings of in-satiation after a meal that should satisfy and causing obesity in humans.

Nutrition, Obesity                                          --Virginia McGarvey

I Know Someone Who Is Obese

Barraclough, Sue  I Know Someone Who Is Obese  

Heinemann (Capstone)    2011  32p   26.00 978-1-4329-4566-4  

elem              VG-BNes     

This book introduces readers to what obesity is, how it affects people, how it

can be prevented, and what they can do to be a good friend to someone who is

obese.

                Unappealing title aside, childhood obesity is a topic of

national concern. According to the Center for Disease Control, 17.5% of all

children and adolescents in the United States are obese– triple the rate from

just one generation ago.  Our values about body image, including obesity, are

socially defined.  But the facts show that medically, obese children face

increased health issues and risks.

          There is no single cause for childhood obesity and no single solution.

This volume presents an overview of the issue in a straightforward, matter-of-

fact manner.  The text addresses causes of obesity, how it affects an obese

person's lifestyle, and provides suggestions for overcoming obesity through diet

and exercise.  The simple language and colorful photographs combine for an

appealing, informative book.  The sections suggesting how friends of obese

individuals can modify activities to the obese person’s abilities were handled

with sensitivity.  The photographs sensitively depict overweight children.

          Unfamiliar terms are explained in a simple glossary, which does not

include pronunciation guides.  For readers who are interested in learning more

about the topic, a short booklist and two websites are suggested.  The Kids'

Health site (http://kidshealth.org/kid/stay_healthy/index.html) offers visitors

the option of listening to articles in English or Spanish as the corresponding

text is highlighted. The other website (www.mypyramid.gov/kids/index.html)

provides links to games, tips, and activities about the food pyramid and healthy

choices.

          This short, informative volume provides a good springboard for

discussion of this issue.  Welliver, Hilary