Love your body

This is an important book about positive body image and self-affirmation that every young person should read, regardless of gender or sexual orientation. The cartoon illustrations, all of girls, depict an amazing assortment of body types, and the universal message about accepting every unique and special aspect of every body, in the literal sense, comes through loud and clear. Readers are reminded to celebrate and be thankful for everything their bodies can do, whether they're playing sports or cuddling little brothers, and not to fret about things they wish their bodies could do. Ten realistic self-care tips are provided in the text and as a poster on the back of the book's jacket--they include connecting with nature, dressing up and strutting around, and finding a meaningful quote and using it as a mantra. More important, readers are encouraged to seek help from a trusted adult when they feel down about themselves and nothing seems to help. The author is a social worker based in Australia, and she offers a website with support resources ranging from mindfulness activities to lesson plans. The text addresses readers personally, and hopefully audiences just getting used to their bodies will internalize this important message.