Why Shouldn't I Eat Junk Food?

Children's Literature - Gwynne Spencer

This tidy little book tells kids everything they need to know and probably more than they want to know. Topics covered in short spunky text chunks include: "What is junk food?" "What makes it junk?" "What's wrong with eating it?" "What makes me eat it?" Illustrations on every page amplify the message without demeaning it. "What if I eat too much?" "What exactly is processed food?" "What are additives?" "What should I eat instead?" The chapter about the story of a chicken nugget is classic; you will never ever eat another one after you read it. A discussion of good nutrition, balanced diets, reading nutrition labels, leads into a discussion of healthy weight, eating disorders, and obesity. The book also includes a bit about how advertisers trick you into buying their products and how you can stop them from ruling your brain. Short definitions of food miles, tips to help buy locally in season, fair trade products, animal welfare, and even over fishing give readers a wider world view of junk food. And a concluding piece of information about genetically modified food and organic food leads naturally into sports, fitness, and snacks. An "Index" and "Glossary" are included. This digest-size forty-eight-page paperback would be a great basis for even a high school class when discussing what to put in your mouth and what not to. The pictures are not babyish, the text is not too elementary, and the overall content is complete and would be helpful in health and nutrition units from grades 4 to 12. Reviewer: Gwynne Spencer