Feeling Freakish? How to be comfortable in your own skin.
by Veronique le Jeune, Philippe Eliakim, & Melissa Daly
Amulet Books, New York: 2004
ISBN: 0-8109-9164-0

Plot Summary:
This is a non-fiction self-help book for teens that focuses on overcoming physical imperfections and living a more full life. The authors are journalists, one from Seventeen magazine, and they call in the expertise of various psychologists. The book starts off with a collection of short anecdotes from teens (and former teens) about the torment that their physical imperfections have caused them. One is too short, one too fat, one has a weird birthmark, another a large scar on his face, etc., etc. Some are picked on by friends, others by family, and some even by teachers.

The next chapter seeks to explain why we feel the way we do about our bodies. It explains the developing hypothalamus and the disconnect teens often feel between their maturing bodies and immature emotions. And the final chapter gives advice for getting over hang-ups. This includes being patient, accepting yourself, emphasizing your good points, and working on improving yourself.

Critical Evaluation:
This was a very readable book, but I just wanted more of everything they offered. Beyond the real-life anecdotes about personal humiliation, I wanted to hear how the teens they interviewed were overcoming their set-backs and working to improve themselves, not just about the embarrassing incidents they experienced. In chapter two, instead of just explaining why teens feel the way they do, I wanted to get real activities that they could do to stop thinking of themselves so harshly. And in the final chapter, the advice is nothing most teens haven't heard before. I wanted more concrete advice for self-improvement, not just "take a shower every day" or "be patient."

This book will definitely help teens take a step back and look at themselves in a new, less harsh, light. It's a good introduction to the psychology of self-esteem and would help jump-start anyone on a quest for self-improvement. However, teens who are serious about making changes to not only the way they think about themselves, but to their actual physical appearance would be better served by checking out this book in conjunction with others more specific to their needs, such as a book on depression, or weight-lifting or skin care because this one does not delve deep enough into any one topic.

Reader’s Annotation:
Stop worrying about the way you look and live your life! There is a little freak inside all of us, some just hide it better than others.

Information about the Author:
Both of the authors are journalists. Veronique le Jeune works for the French TV network, France 2, and explores issues of concern to young people. Melissa Daly used to write for Seventeen magazine and is now an editor at Fitness. Her degree is in psychology.

Genre: non-fiction, self-help

Curriculum Ties: life skills/health

Booktalking Ideas:
I might read a few of the embarrassing anecdotes, such as the boy who asked a girl out at a party and was rejected, then he overheard her laughing about his fat rolls with her friends. Then I might read some of the stories about what is considered beautiful in other countries. Finally, I would talk about some of the psychological issues the authors explore and the advice they share.

Reading Level/Interest Age:
This would be a good book for ages 13 and up.

Challenge Issues:
Nothing is too graphic in this book. It might be challenged for some of its bluntness--the authors don't sugar-coat everything by saying everyone will turn into beautiful creatures eventually. They tell it like it is. Some people are beautiful, some just aren't. I would explain the library's selection policy and give the challenger a complaint form to fill out.

Why I chose this book:
Having taught awkward 8th and 9th graders, and been one myself, I'm always on the look-out for great self-help books to recommend to those who might not have positive role models in their lives to tell them they will get through this difficult time. This would book would be a good start.