Saturday, August 20, 2011

Say it's not so!


The description reads: 'This book is about a 14 year old girl who goes on a diet and is transformed from being extremely overweight and insecure to a normal sized girl who becomes the school soccer star. (So an overweight child can't join a soccer team and loose weight as nature takes it's course?)

'Through time, exercise and hard work, Maggie becomes more and more confident and develops a positive self image.'

Barnes & Noble, which is already offering the book for pre-order, lists it with a recommended reading age of six to 12. Amazon offers it to an even younger readership, suggesting ages four to eight.


I can't believe it! During a time that children should be playing and learning in a comfortable, safe, controlled environment...up pops a book about being over-weight! Aren't there enough "self image" issues without books like this?

I am flabbergasted! And no, I have not read it so I cannot address the content nor the writing style, I am too shocked at the subject matter! Why can't we let our children be children? Why must we make them grow up so quickly and before they're ready?

My grandson lives with us...and yes, by standards, he would be listed as overweight. He eats a healthy diet and loves to play and I do know that in time, his height and weight will come in line. I also know that if he read this book or even thought someone would apply this to him he would be crushed! And for what? To fit society's image of how he should look? Madison Ave. controls the self image of far too many teenagers and adults...keep your hands off our children!

No comments: