Recommended Reads from Susan Carr, Youth Services Librarian
I Get So Hungry (picture book)
By Bebe Moore Campbell
Nikki gets teased because of her weight and eats when she’s unhappy. When her teacher starts exercising to battle her own weight problem, Nikki joins in and is inspired to change her habits.
Are You What You Eat? (nonfiction)
By DK Publishing
Excellent graphics and interesting facts on what and why we eat the foods we do will appeal to both the trivia buff – humanity is the only species that cooks its food – and the report-writing student.
The Double-Cross and Other Skills I Learned as a Superspy (juvenile fiction)
By Jackson Pearce
Hale (the Whale) Jordan has trouble meeting the weight requirement for super spy agents. When his parents are captured by an evil organization, Hale uses his talents to infiltrate the enemy’s HQ.
Dumplin’ (teen fiction)
By Julie Murphy
Willowdean Wilson is out to prove that fat is where it’s at by entering a beauty contest in her small Texas town. The issue of self-image is addressed in this sweet, thoughtful coming-of-age novel.
I Like to Exercise! (reader)
By Lisa M. Herrington
Kids will learn the benefits of regular exercise and ways to keep moving in this colorful, easy-to-read book. The final pages test the reader’s new knowledge and share a couple of jokes.
Recommended Reads from Megan Chrusciel, Adult Services Librarian
The First 20 Minutes: Surprising Science Reveals How We Can Exercise Better, Train Smarter, Live Longer
By Gretchen Reynolds
This New York Times columnist shares surprising findings: Twenty minutes of cardio is all you need; stretching can be counterproductive; and chocolate milk is better than Gatorade for recovery.
Born to Run: A Hidden Tribe, Superathletes, and the Greatest Race the World Has Never Seen
By Christopher McDougall
For centuries, the Tarahumara tribe of Mexico practiced techniques that allow its members to run great distances with ease. The author ingratiates himself into their community to learn their secrets.
The Healing of America: A Global Quest for Better, Cheaper, and Fairer Health Care
By T.R. Reid
Is health care a human right? Take a journey through the health systems of a wide array of industrialized nations to discover how different cultures have tackled this difficult moral dilemma.
The New Health Rules: Simple Changes to Achieve Whole-Body Wellness
By Frank Lipman, M.D., and Danielle Claro
More than 100 easily digestible information bits and tips for a healthier, happier life include rules for getting a good night’s sleep, ways that sugar is so destructive and benefits of daily doses of sunlight.
The Upside of Stress: Why Stress Is Good for You, and How to Get Good at it
By Kelly McGonigal
Entertaining stories combine with science and exercises to help you get better at stress. Learn how stress can provide focus and help you strengthen close relationships.
You: The Owner’s Manual
By Michael F. Roizen, M.D.
Challenge your preconceived notions about how the body works with this tour of the heart, brain, lungs, immune system, bones and sensory organs. Experts give answers to 100 questions.