The Library of Tattoos and Body Piercings (series). San Diego: Reference Point Press, 2014. 80 p. $28.95 ea. Gr. 7-12.
Currie-McGhee, Leanne. Tattoos, Body Piercings, and Health. 978-1-60152-5642
Currie-McGhee, Leanne. Tattoos, Body Piercings, and Teens. 978-1-60152-5666
Hirschmann, Kris. Tattoos, Body Piercings, and Art. 978-1-60152-5628
Stewart, Gail B. A Cultural History of Tattoos. 978-1-60152-5604
Szumski, Bonnie and Jill Karson. A Cultural History of Body Piercing. 978-1-60152-5581
For thousands of years, tattoos and body piercings have both richly adorned human bodies AND brought disease and even death. This series takes a comprehensive look at tattoos and body piercings from the perspectives of history, art, health and teen views. The more celebratory titles are those focused on history and art (A Cultural History of Body Piercing; A Cultural History of Tattoos; Tattoos, Body Piercings, and Art); while the two focused on health and teenagers (Tattoos, Body Piercings and Health; Tattoos, Body Piercings, and Teens) really reinforce the possible negative consequences of tattoos and body piercings. All five are inviting texts, interweaving factual data with personal stories (reasons why a person chose a tattoo as well as reasons a person now regrets the choice). Young people are urged to “think before you ink” as most who regret their choices had the work done as teenagers. One issue not covered prominently is the effect of tattoos and body piercings on personal relationships or employment. Overall, the series evenhandedly shows the reasons behind interest in tattoos and body piercings and realistic health outcomes, physically and emotionally. A worthwhile purchase that will attract teen readers.
617.9; Health Melissa Scott, Shenango High School
Kessler, David. Your Food is Fooling You: How Your Brain is Hijacked by Sugar, Fat, and Salt. New York: Roaring Brook Press, 2013. 978-1596438316. 183 p. $9.99 Gr. 8 and up.
Kessler, pediatrician and former USFDA Commissioner investigates the burgeoning obesity crisis in America, in this readable young reader’s edition of his New York Times bestseller, The End of Overeating. Here, he identifies factors that make food such a problem for the majority of us: the trifecta of fat, sugar and salt in most processed foods, food as entertainment are major reasons. Within the industry, the push for profits leads to the push for irresistible foods and food experiences. A desirable “mouthfeel” of certain foods leads many of us to want to repeat the eating experience, even if we’re overeating. “Monster meals” increase the problem, as does eating mindlessly, with or without friends to help. Fake food, fried food and more, Kessler has identified it, and made it into easy reading for young people and adults. After targeting the food, he shifts to analyzing overeating, then blessedly devotes a section entitled “Food Rehab” to changing and improving our eating habits. Tactics include knowing the industry tactics, retraining your brain, getting support, being ready with rules, and making it a lifestyle, not a diet.
613.2: Health Melissa Scott, Shenango High School
This is the story of Enrique and his heroic journey to be reunited with his mother, Lourdes, who decided to leave Honduras for the United States in hopes of making a better future for her children. Journalist, Sonia Nazario, tells the story of not only Enrique, but the many children that attempt the dangerous trip from Central America to the United States in search of mothers who had to leave their children behind to find work. Sonia decides to make the journey herself, which involves her train-hopping and enduring the risk of being beaten, raped, or even killed. This firsthand account of what children are willing to risk to be reunited with loved ones is touching and horrifying at the same time. This modern day story would be beneficial to add when studying the Underground Railroad or any other historic lessons taught about survival and risks taken by immigrants to make a better way for themselves and their families.
305.23 Children/Adolescence Krista Goodzinski, Riverside MS