It’s Not Your Fault That You’re Overweight Merilee A. Kern Starbound Books ISBN: 1-58736-567-7 Fiction, Young Adult, Health Reviewed by Tanya Boudreau

Patty is ten years old. And overweight. Although she is fictionalized, her situation will ring true with many children. Over 20% of children in America are overweight or obese.

The author encourages parents and children to read this book aloud, together. Seeing the negative cultural influences in Patty’s life and the poor choices she’s made concerning her health, and the combined results of these, can be used to encourage discussion about weight problems. She or he (there is a boys’ edition) will recognize some of the situations in the book and that will give them hope about taking control of their own health.

With every poor choice Patty makes and with every negative influence she encounters in her life, a more positive and beneficial alternative is given. This will help children who are on the path to a better lifestyle. At breakfast instead of pancakes and syrup, Patty eats wheat toast with low-fat and low sugar peanut butter. Instead of drinking two chocolate milks at the cafeteria, she tries low-fat white milk. Her parents, who have made unhealthy choices too, are now helping Patty become healthier by modeling healthy behavior. Patty’s mom has stocked the pantry with nutritious foods now, and the family eats meals together instead of in front of the television.

The illustrator, who also illustrates for the magazine Highlights for Children, does a wonderful job of showing Patty enjoying the benefits of her new healthy choices. Now she’s outside playing with her friends, or enjoying a meal with her family. Because children haven’t been teasing Patty anymore, her confidence has increased. Even her grades have improved. Patty finds her feet and back don’t bother her so much anymore now that she’s lost weight. She has more energy to enjoy gym class, and to join her friends outside jumping rope. She’s joined a girls’ club and has made new friends. Jerry DeCrotie, who illustrates in black and white in this book, ends with a drawing of Patty dreaming big. She envisions herself as president!

The book finishes with a section on how to discuss the story with your children. Questions are provided to help you get started. Healthy living tips are included in the back of the book. These tips are actions your child can do today to change an unhealthy lifestyle into a healthy one.

Children will breathe a sigh of relief. They’ll learn they are not to blame for their weight and that someone out there empathizes with their problems. They will see that their new and better choices will be rewarded. This is a good book for all children to read; regardless of their weight. Children can empathize with Patty, and learn with Patty. They might even see a little bit of Patty in a classmate or a family member.

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