Cambridge University Press’s first venture into mass market publishing is certainly worth a place in any school library. Authored by a Professor in Psychology, whose research specialises in body image issues, the reader can have every confidence that the contents are backed up by authoritative evidence, but this is no dry academic tome. As she states in her introduction, Dr Mackey is a mother of 12 and 14-year-old girls so she really cares about girls having the information they need to make the right decisions and to develop healthy habits. When young girls are bombarded with images of airbrushed celebrities and social media pressures it is no wonder that most girls are dissatisfied with some aspect of their bodies and this can lead to anxiety, depression and worse. With an estimated 1.25 million people in the UK having an eating disorder there can be no doubt that there is a real need for a book like this to counter the misinformation out there. The ten chapters cover very clearly and concisely an enormous amount of information ranging from puberty and body changes to self-care, mental health, basic nutritional science, healthy eating habits and making food fun, physical activity and loving our bodies for what they do (not how they look)and how to handle social media and challenging fat shaming language. Each chapter has My Story sections with real life experiences, myth busting boxes, Q&A and a valuable concluding summary of the key points. Combined with an excellent glossary and helpful illustrations the reader can quickly find the information that they need at any given time. But the unpatronizing and non-didactive tone also makes this an enjoyable and engaging read likely to be read from cover to cover. Highly recommended for age nine upwards to the many adults who would benefit from its wisdom too!
The Body Image Book for Girls Love Yourself and Grow Up Fearless Synopsis
It is worrying to think that most girls feel dissatisfied with their bodies, and that this can lead to serious problems including depression and eating disorders. Can some of those body image worries be eased?
Body image expert and psychology professor Dr Charlotte Markey helps girls aged 9-15 to understand, accept, and appreciate their bodies. She provides all the facts on puberty, mental health, self-care, why diets are bad news, dealing with social media, and everything in-between. Girls will find answers to questions they always wanted to ask, the truth behind many body image myths, and real-life stories from girls who share their own experiences.
Through this easy-to-read and beautifully illustrated guide, Dr Markey teaches girls how to nurture both mental and physical heath to improve their own body image, shows the positive impact they can have on others, and enables them to go out into the world feeling fearless!
'This book is a must read for all girls everywhere! It teaches them how to invest in themselves rather than the diet culture myths that rob them of their time and intelligence. Dr. Charlotte Markey is a research expert on this subject and girls who read this book are much more likely to fully bloom!' Leslie Bloch and Zoe Bisbing, LCSWs, Eating Disorder Psychotherapists and Founders of The Full Bloom Project & Podcast
'It is so refreshing to read a book on positive aspects of body image rather than problems, that is written in a style that adolescent girls can relate to and provides practical tips on topics that are central to their lives. The stories, lay out, illustrations and balanced information provide a fabulous resource for girls as they negotiate the adolescent period. I particularly love the Q&A sections that focus girls on the main messages for each chapter in a very concrete way.' Marita P. McCabe, Professor of Psychology, Swinburne University, Melbourne, Australia
'This book gives girls powerful, evidence-based tools that they can use to feel more positively about their bodies, take good care of themselves, and be agents for positive change in the world. These are important skills that they will carry with them throughout their entire lives.' Dr. Jessica M. Alleva, Assistant Professor of Psychology, Maastricht University, the Netherlands
'Dr. Markey clearly knows how to motivate girls to rebel against harmful ideals and be more conscious, critical media consumers. Within the pages of this book, girls will find all the information they need to live more healthfully and happily.' Lexie and Lindsay Kite, Co-founders of Beauty Redefined
'Dr. Markey has created an evidence-based, fun, and engaging book for girls. Each chapter addresses a critical body image issue and contains beautiful illustrations and valuable information in a readable, fun format. Body image is on all girls' minds and they need information on how to process it. Dr. Markey discusses this issue in a positive, health-oriented, down-to-earth way that is appealing to girls. Finally we have an excellent resource to share with girls about their bodies. Every girl should read this book!' Dr. Meghan Gillen, Associate Professor of Psychology, Penn State Abington
'If you have a body, which I suspect you do, then you stand to learn something from The Body Image Book for Girls. Dr. Charlotte Markey expertly translates a complex body of scientific research into this accessible and beautifully illustrated book, interweaving the science of body image with the lived experiences of real girls. Although aimed at young girls, this book contains important practical tips for engaging in self-care, healthy eating, physical activity, and body positivity - things we could all use a bit more of.' Jamie Dunaev, Rutgers University, Camden
'I enthusiastically recommend Dr. Markey's Body Image Book for Girls. This research-based book teaches girls how and why to appreciate their bodies. Girls will learn to resist the potentially negative influences of cultural encouragement of body comparison, the diet industry, and image-based social media with an informed and positive mindset. Chapters on the enjoyment of healthy food, the benefits of exercise, and the value of mindfulness activities offer girls many ideas for creating a positive body image. Each chapter is written in a concise, focused manner with goals and summaries to make the points clear. The solid research base is enlivened with illustrations, stories from real girls, and the debunking of common body-related myths. Dr. Markey provides references for more information, and a helpful glossary of important terms. Girls should leave this book feeling empowered to 'be the change', as Dr. Markey encourages in the last chapter.' Sarah Murnen, Professor of Psychology, Kenyon College
'This book uses scientific research to educate girls about the changes they will experience through puberty and to make recommendations about how they can care for their body. It treats girls as smart and capable and addresses issues girls face every day, for example, social media and dieting. Girls will gain useful tools for developing a positive view of their body and establishing healthy habits around eating and exercise. They will also learn strategies for staying positive about their own body despite social pressures about appearance. This book is a highly valuable resource that will help girls appreciate their bodies.' Elizabeth A. Daniels, Associate Professor of Psychology, University of Colorado
'Charlotte Markey offers a comprehensive, direct and supportive guide for girls to build positive relationships with their bodies. Her friendly, conversational style will engage tween girls and support them to resist the disruptions in embodiment that are so common in the adolescent years.' Elizabeth Scott, LCSW, CEDS-S, Director of Training, The Body Positive
Author
About Charlotte Markey
Charlotte Markey is Professor of Psychology and Founding Director of the Health Sciences Center at Rutgers University, Camden. She is a world-leading expert in body image research, having studied body image, eating behaviour and weight management for over twenty-five years. Through all her roles as a scientist, teacher, writer and parent she is passionate about understanding what makes us feel good about our bodies and helping others to develop a healthy body image.
Dr Markey is an experienced and talented author, with her first book Smart People Don't Diet (2014) dubbed as 'possibly the best book about weight loss ever written' by Scientific American. Her research has gained widespread media attention, having been featured in publications such as The New York Times, The Economist, ABC News and Time Magazine.
