Eating Pretty

School Library Journal

Gr 6-9-- The breezy, upbeat, effective approach in this trio gives younger teens down-to-earth advice about a variety of subjects. Girls will probably not achieve all that is promised on the attractive covers--``Eat Right and Look Fabulous,'' ``Makeup Tricks for Incredibly Good Looks'' and ``Healthy, Glowing Skin in a Flash''--but they will be well served by the information contained within. Eating Pretty presents information on the basic food groups, the relationship of eating to fitness and good looks, with a final chapter on ``No-nos'' to drugs, alcohol, and cigarettes. Looking Good covers color, wardrobe coordination, and accessories. Skin Deep gives information about basic skin and hair types, care, etc. A few insupportable generalities mar the presentation, e.g., the cheaper or shinier the food, the more fat. Several chapters end with a quiz to reinforce pertinent facts. Line drawings break up the text, but do not carry significant information. Some chapter headings are not particularly helpful for determining content, and the lack of indexes will limit use for assignments. Even with the problems noted and the number of books available on similar subjects, these volumes will be useful, for their optimistic approach makes them appealing to girls who need encouragement to believe in their own potential. --Lois McCulley, Wichita Falls High School, TX