Overview
Beloved author Bebe Moore Campbell's last book shines light on childhood obesity.
Once Nikki starts eating, it's hard for her to stop. She snacks when she is upset, angry or bored. But when her teacher, Mrs. Patterson, is taken to the hospital because of her weight, Nikki realizes that she wants to live a healthier lifestyle. She and Mrs. Patterson work together to help each other succeed, and Nikki even convinces her mom to get involved and exercise too.
Acclaimed author Bebe Moore Campbell said she wrote this as she felt strongly about the worth and necessity of this story. She hoped to touch kids and parents and help them make changes in their lives. Amy Bates? charming illustrations bring to life this important story of one young girl's struggle with weight gain, an all-too-familiar problem for children today.
Synopsis
Beloved author Bebe Moore Campbell's last book shines light on childhood obesity.
Once Nikki starts eating, it's hard for her to stop. She snacks when she is upset, angry or bored. But when her teacher, Mrs. Patterson, is taken to the hospital because of her weight, Nikki realizes that she wants to live a healthier lifestyle. She and Mrs. Patterson work together to help each other succeed, and Nikki even convinces her mom to get involved and exercise too.
Acclaimed author Bebe Moore Campbell said she wrote this as she felt strongly about the worth and necessity of this story. She hoped to touch kids and parents and help them make changes in their lives. Amy Bates' charming illustrations bring to life this important story of one young girl's struggle with weight gain, an all-too-familiar problem for children today.
The New York Times - Regina Marler
Though its warm, appealing illustrations could send anyone with a sweet tooth running for the cookie jar, I Get So Hungry is otherwise a lovingly conceived and carefully written salvo in the battle against childhood obesity…[it] touches on some of the causes of this epidemic, especially family eating patterns and emotional eating. Aimed at 6- to 8-year-olds, though, the book takes for granted that young children cannot control their own diets; they don't buy food or prepare meals. What the story offers instead is inspiration for becoming more physically active and pursuing hobbies and talents.
Editorials
Regina Marler
Though its warm, appealing illustrations could send anyone with a sweet tooth running for the cookie jar, I Get So Hungry is otherwise a lovingly conceived and carefully written salvo in the battle against childhood obesity…[it] touches on some of the causes of this epidemic, especially family eating patterns and emotional eating. Aimed at 6- to 8-year-olds, though, the book takes for granted that young children cannot control their own diets; they don't buy food or prepare meals. What the story offers instead is inspiration for becoming more physically active and pursuing hobbies and talents.—The New York Times
School Library Journal
K-Gr 3- Nikki, a young African American, her mother, and her teacher all have problems with their weight. When her teacher has a health scare due to her obesity, Nikki is motivated to change her habits. She sees Mrs. Patterson walking the perimeter of the schoolyard each day and decides to join her. When she doubts that her mother will buy the healthy foods that her teacher has started eating, the woman suggests that Nikki eat smaller portions and be more active. What is particularly inspiring about this book is the strength of this child and her ability to take control of her life, despite some resistance from her mom. Children will identify with Nikki; she is a realistically drawn character with a self-deprecating sense of humor, and she sneaks potato chips from her desk when she is sad. But when kids make fun of her, her friends step forward, a response widely recommended by many anti-bullying programs. This excellent book gives readers an example of a constructive response to a challenging social situation. Words are carefully chosen, never preachy. The watercolor illustrations add dimension and details to the text. A useful book on an important topic.-Mary Hazelton, Elementary Schools in Warren & Waldoboro, ME