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Celebrating Every Body: 35 Body Image Positive Books for Mighty Girls

A Mighty Girl's top picks of body image positive books for Mighty Girls of all ages!

It doesn't take long living or working with girls to realize that body image can be a big problem — and that it can start sooner than you expect. Studies have shown that over 40% of 1st to 3rd grade girls want to be thinner and that girls' self-esteem peaks at the age of 9. Parents and educators often want to help the Mighty Girls in their lives develop a positive body image, but aren't sure where to start.

Fortunately, there are a number of great books that show girls that every body is worth celebrating! From empowering picture books to thought-provoking middle grade and young adult books, these books provide a great starting point to discussions about self-esteem, body image, and self-confidence. We've also included a few books specifically for parents and educators, so that you can help teach girls that they are perfect just the way they are.

Beyond the titles recommended below, you can discover more books for children and teens that address body image issues in our Body Image book section and more resources for parents and educators in our Body Image & Self-Esteem Parenting section.

Body Image Positive Books for Mighty Girls

It's Okay To Be Different

It's Okay To Be Different

Written by: Todd Parr
Recommended Age: 1 - 5

There are so many ways that kids can be (or feel) different from the other people around them, both inside and outside, but this charming book reminds them that being different is okay too. Parr's distinctive bright colors and silly scenes make this book appealing to kids, all while fostering inclusion, acceptance, and diversity. A new release by Todd Parr further encourages kids to be proud of who they are, for ages 1 to 5: Be Who You Are.

Buy:
Buy:
Amazon.ca
C$22.99 (CAD)
Amazon.co.uk
£6.99 (GBP)
Amazon.com.au
A$43.14 (AUD)
Amazon.com
$14.99 (USD)

What I Like About Me!

What I Like About Me!

Written by: Allia Zobel Nolan
Illustrated by: Miki Sakamoto
Recommended Age: 3 - 5

Sometimes, the thing you like best about yourself is that you're different from everyone else! The varied kids in this book turn a lot of "negatives" around: their braces are dazzling and shiny, or their glasses make them look distinguished. And at the end, a page with a mylar "mirror" encourages kids to pick something they love about themselves.

Buy:
Buy:
Amazon.ca
C$20.36 (CAD)
Amazon.co.uk
£14.47 (GBP)
Amazon.com.au
A$34.09 (AUD)
Amazon.com
$10.89 (USD)

I Like Myself!

I Like Myself!

Written by: Karen Beaumont
Illustrated by: David Catrow
Recommended Age: 3 - 8

In this hilarious and high energy ode to self esteem, a little girl knows that, no matter what she does, where she goes, or what other people think, she is special because “I’m ME!” That means that, even when she's not at her best — like when she wakes up with spectacular bedhead — she's still the same person underneath. Kids will laugh at phrases like beaver breath, stinky toes, and even sillier things, while adults will enjoy its celebration of individuality.

Buy:
Buy:
Amazon.ca
C$24.99 (CAD)
Amazon.co.uk
£21.19 (GBP)
Amazon.com.au
A$41.89 (AUD)
Amazon.com
$11.39 (USD)

I Love My Hair!

I Love My Hair!

Illustrated by: E. B. Lewis
Recommended Age: 3 - 8

Keyana sometimes finds it hard to love her hair — especially when it’s time for the painful evening ritual of getting the many tangles combed out! But when Keyana’s mother points out that the same hair that hurts to comb can be styled so many ways, Keyana’s imagination takes flight. Soon, she’s picturing her rows of braids as rows of plants in a garden; a soft bun being spun on a spinning wheel; and her favorite style, a pair of ponytails, as wings that let her soar.

Buy:
Buy:
Amazon.ca
C$12.47 (CAD)
Amazon.co.uk
£6.99 (GBP)
Amazon.com.au
A$20.14 (AUD)
Amazon.com
$6.79 (USD)

Mabel: A Mermaid Fable

Mabel: A Mermaid Fable

Written by: Rowboat Watkins
Illustrated by: Rowboat Watkins
Recommended Age: 4 - 7

Mabel's mother, father, and even her baby brother all have glorious mustaches... but Mabel's face is completely bare. And while she tries to conceal it with everything from seaweed falsies to shells on her nose, her peers still tease her mercilessly. Then she meets Lucky, a seven-legged octopus, who also feels like he doesn't belong. It's not long before he and kind-hearted Mabel have struck up a friendship that gives them confidence to be themselves! Full of vibrant illustrations of Mabel's undersea world, kids will dive in to this story of self-acceptance and friendship.

Buy:
Buy:
Amazon.ca
C$21.92 (CAD)
Amazon.co.uk
£11.89 (GBP)
Amazon.com.au
A$33.48 (AUD)
Amazon.com
$12.36 (USD)

The Colors of Us

The Colors of Us

Written by: Karen Katz
Illustrated by: Karen Katz
Recommended Age: 4 - 7

Lena's mother is an artist, so when Lena wants to paint a self-portrait and says her skin color is just plain brown, her mom urges her to look more closely at the many shades of skin all around her. As they walk through their neighborhood, Lena spots skin colored like honey, pizza crust, ginger, peaches, chocolate, and more! It turns out that "the colors of us" are more varied than she had ever noticed before. The message of this book will get your kids looking at the people around them in a whole new way.

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Buy:
Amazon.ca
C$11.99 (CAD)
Amazon.co.uk
£7.99 (GBP)
Amazon.com.au
A$18.17 (AUD)
Amazon.com
See website

I Love My Body Because

I Love My Body Because

Recommended Age: 4 - 7

"I love my body because..." There are so many ways to finish that sentence! Your body takes you where you want to go. It's your first home, and it holds your brain, which learns and knows so many things! Your body can be strong when it needs to and gentle when it needs to, and it deserves to be celebrated. In this lyrical picture book featuring text and illustrations starring dozens of diverse bodies, kids will learn to recognize what's special about their own unique body, and how to honor that body by taking care of it: washing hands, brushing teeth, and even finding healthy ways to handle big feelings. Empathetic and empowering, this picture book is perfect for fans of All Are Welcome and Beautifully Me.

Buy:
Buy:
Amazon.ca
C$22.79 (CAD)
Amazon.co.uk
£11.75 (GBP)
Amazon.com.au
A$23.09 (AUD)
Amazon.com
$14.39 (USD)

What's Silly Hair Day with No Hair?

What's Silly Hair Day with No Hair?

Written by: Norene Paulson
Illustrated by: Camila Carrossine
Recommended Age: 4 - 7

Bea was born with a full head of hair — but by the time she turned 4, it was gone. She has alopecia areata, and most of the time, she doesn't mind being bald (although she's sometimes jealous of her best friend Shaleah's hair clips.) But when spirit week arrives at school, Bea realizes there's a big problem: the last day is Silly Hair Day, and how can you have Silly Hair Day with no hair? She and Shaleah try a couple of solutions, but the wigs are itchy and the home-made yarn hair looks like "a nest of gummy worms." Finally, Bea decides to decorate her head with temporary tattoos... and is delighted to discover that, from now on, it will be "Silly Hair OR Head Day"! This empowering picture book includes an author's note with facts about alopecia and other forms of childhood hair loss.

Buy:
Buy:
Amazon.ca
C$23.99 (CAD)
Amazon.co.uk
£16.95 (GBP)
Amazon.com.au
A$19.09 (AUD)
Amazon.com
$14.74 (USD)

Brontorina

Brontorina

Written by: James Howe
Illustrated by: Randy Cecil
Recommended Age: 4 - 8

Brontorina Apatosaurus dreams of being a dancer and she's certainly graceful — but she's also huge! When she presents herself at Madame's dance studio, Clara and Jack are the only two students to urge Madame to let her join in... and when she does, against her better judgement, Brontorina proves to be very graceful but so tall that she crashes into the ceiling. But is the problem really Brontorina? This sweet and funny story encourages kids to consider talent and heart before appearance — and reminds them that many "rules" about what people should look like are easy to change.

Buy:
Buy:
Amazon.ca
C$8.50 (CAD)
Amazon.co.uk
£21.00 (GBP)
Amazon.com.au
A$16.99 (AUD)
Amazon.com
$14.91 (USD)

Eyes That Kiss in the Corners

Eyes That Kiss in the Corners

Written by: Joanna Ho
Illustrated by: Dung Ho
Recommended Age: 4 - 8

"Some people eyes like sapphire lagoons / with lashes like lace trim on ballgowns," observes the Mighty Girl in this story. Her own eyes are different: they "kiss in the corners and glow like warm tea." Her eyes, in fact, look like those of other women in her life: her Mama, who sees her as "a miracle"; her Amah, who has so many stories to tell; her little sister Mei-Mei, who adores her. Her eyes also remind her of her family's traditions, from the folklore Amah shares to the upside-down Fú character by her family's door that brings good fortune. Empowering, poetic, and full of love for both self and family, this is a gorgeous picture book that celebrates the deeper meaning behind our diverse backgrounds and stories.

Buy:
Buy:
Amazon.ca
C$21.99 (CAD)
Amazon.co.uk
£11.43 (GBP)
Amazon.com.au
A$19.25 (AUD)
Amazon.com
$11.59 (USD)

Stand Tall, Molly Lou Melon

Stand Tall, Molly Lou Melon

Written by: Patty Lovell
Illustrated by: David Catrow
Recommended Age: 4 - 8

Little Molly Lou has always taken her grandmother's advice to "sing out strong and clear" and she carries that confidence with her wherever she goes. But when she moves and starts going to a new school, the school bully starts picking on Molly Lou for her height, her buck teeth, and her (admittedly) unusual voice. Instead of losing confidence, though, Molly Lou shows how every one of her unique features can be a major asset — to the delight of her new classmates!

Buy:
Buy:
Amazon.ca
C$23.99 (CAD)
Amazon.co.uk
£16.97 (GBP)
Amazon.com.au
A$34.24 (AUD)
Amazon.com
$11.44 (USD)

Dancing in the Wings

Dancing in the Wings

Written by: Debbie Allen
Illustrated by: Kadir Nelson
Recommended Age: 4 - 8

Sassy dreams of being a ballerina — but with her too-long legs, too-big feet, and too-loud mouth, she sometimes wonders if she'll ever achieve her dream. She refuses to give up, though, so when she hears that the director of a dance festival is coming to watch her class, she puts on her brightest yellow leotard and gets ready to leap her highest. Her classmates may not appreciate her distinctive style, but she's proud to be herself. Inspired by the famous choreographer Debbie Allen's real experiences as a childhood dancer, this heartfelt and funny book is sure to be a hit.

Buy:
Buy:
Amazon.ca
C$11.21 (CAD)
Amazon.co.uk
(Unavailable)
Amazon.com.au
A$18.35 (AUD)
Amazon.com
$7.14 (USD)

Beautifully Me

Beautifully Me

Written by: Nabela Noor
Illustrated by: Nabi H. Ali
Recommended Age: 4 - 8

Zubi is excited for her very first day of school... but as her Bangladeshi family prepares for the day, she notices her mother, her father, and even her sister complain about their bodies being "too big" or "not good." Her confidence is rattled even further when she hears another kid make fun of someone for looking fat. But when she says she's on a diet at dinner, people ask why... and all of the pain and confusion of the day comes bursting out. Fortunately, her loving family is quick to apologize for their mistake, and to tell her about the power of being yourself — of being "beautifully me." Written by designer, creator, and self-love advocate Nabela Noor, this is an empowering story for young readers and an important reminder to adults that the best way to support kids is to be kind to ourselves.

Buy:
Buy:
Amazon.ca
C$21.99 (CAD)
Amazon.co.uk
£17.79 (GBP)
Amazon.com.au
A$36.04 (AUD)
Amazon.com
$14.95 (USD)

Marisol McDonald Doesn't Match / Marisol McDonald no combina

Marisol McDonald Doesn't Match / Marisol McDonald no combina

Written by: Monica Brown
Illustrated by: Sara Palacios
Recommended Age: 4 - 8

In this bilingual English/Spanish picture book, Marisol doesn't look — or act — like anyone she knows: she has flaming red hair and nut-brown skin, enjoys peanut butter and jelly burritos, and loves being a soccer playing pirate princess! And for some reason, this confuses other people around her, who'd rather that she stop being herself so that she would fit into one of their boxes. But this Peruvian-Scottish-American girl doesn't mind, and she wouldn't give up her "mis-matched" life for anything.

Buy:
Buy:
Amazon.ca
C$26.93 (CAD)
Amazon.co.uk
£17.24 (GBP)
Amazon.com.au
A$40.67 (AUD)
Amazon.com
$12.81 (USD)

Big

Big

Written by: Vashti Harrison
Illustrated by: Vashti Harrison
Recommended Age: 4 - 8

When this girl was little, everyone loved her big heart, her big laugh, and her big dreams. When she grew and learned, everyone praised her: "what a big girl you are!" But then suddenly, something changed. Adults start saying "You're a big girl, aren't you?" and "Don't you think you're too big for that?" The words hurt, and so did trying to make herself smaller. It wasn't until she pushed the words away, and made space for herself exactly as she was — a girl, a child, who is creative and compassionate and funny and kind — that she realized she would always be good enough. Beloved creator Vashti Harrison has created a compassionate, emotional exploration of being big when you're supposed to be small — and the power that comes with loving yourself as you are.

Buy:
Buy:
Amazon.ca
C$24.96 (CAD)
Amazon.co.uk
£19.46 (GBP)
Amazon.com.au
A$40.73 (AUD)
Amazon.com
$13.81 (USD)

I Don't Want Curly Hair!

I Don't Want Curly Hair!

Written by: Laura Ellen Anderson
Illustrated by: Laura Ellen Anderson
Recommended Age: 4 - 8

This Curly Haired Girl is fed up with her big, curly hair, which she says is "always too knotty and fuzzy and frizzy." All she wants is for it to be straight and smooth. She tries brushing it into submission, flattening her hair out with a big pile of books, and tying balloons to the ends to see if she can stretch it straight. Then one day, Curly Haired Girl meets a girl with the perfect hair... except that all she's ever wanted is spirally, squiggly hair just like Curly Haired Girl's! After a bit of confusion, the two girls realize that there's beauty in every type of hair — and that you should love yourself just as you are. Detailed, hilarious illustrations make the perfectly complement to this charming rhyming story.

Buy:
Buy:
Amazon.ca
C$13.99 (CAD)
Amazon.co.uk
£6.50 (GBP)
Amazon.com.au
A$14.99 (AUD)
Amazon.com
$9.99 (USD)

Sulwe

Sulwe

Written by: Lupita Nyong'o
Illustrated by: Vashti Harrison
Recommended Age: 5 - 9

Sulwe has the darkest skin of anyone in her family, and she wishes that she could be lighter like her mother and sister. Despite her mother's advice that "brightness is just who you are," she tries everything she can think of to be lighter, from eating light colored foods to trying to rub out her blackness with an eraser. But one night, a shooting star darts into her room and tells her a fable about Night and Day, opening her eyes to her own beauty. Academy Award-winning actress Lupita Nyong'o's picture book debut is a moving story about colorism and self-esteem that will encourage all children to be proud of their uniqueness.

Buy:
Buy:
Amazon.ca
C$23.99 (CAD)
Amazon.co.uk
£12.99 (GBP)
Amazon.com.au
A$36.57 (AUD)
Amazon.com
$13.89 (USD)

Stand Straight, Ella Kate

Stand Straight, Ella Kate

Written by: Kate Klise
Illustrated by: M. Sarah Klise
Recommended Age: 5 - 9

When Ella Kate Ewing was born in 1872, she was the normal size for a baby but, when she was seven, she started growing and just didn't seem to stop! Soon, she was too big for school desks or even a regular bed. She tried to hunch herself down to be smaller, but her parents urged her not to hide, it, instead telling her to stand up straight. And as an adult, she used her height as a way to achieve fame, fortune, and adventure traveling throughout the world. Kids will be fascinated to hear about the real-life girl who became the World's Tallest Woman — and how she turned what made her unique into her greatest asset.

Buy:
Buy:
Amazon.ca
C$23.99 (CAD)
Amazon.co.uk
£30.72 (GBP)
Amazon.com.au
A$96.80 (AUD)
Amazon.com
$32.18 (USD)

Karma Khullar's Mustache

Karma Khullar's Mustache

Written by: Kristi Wientge
Recommended Age: 8 - 12

Everything seems to be going against Karma as she prepares to enter middle school: her best friend has found another, blonder best friend; her beloved dadima has passed away; her father has become the new stay-at-home parent while her mother spends most of her time at work; and perhaps worst of all, she's spotted seventeen hairs sprouting on her upper lip. As Karma struggles, alone, with her classmates' taunts and her own insecurity, she wonders if a girl like her — half white and half Indian, half Methodist and half Sikh — can ever find peace with herself. This sweet coming-of-age story that tackles the subject of female body and facial hair will be both funny and relatable to tween readers.

Buy:
Buy:
Amazon.ca
C$11.99 (CAD)
Amazon.co.uk
£6.99 (GBP)
Amazon.com.au
A$14.80 (AUD)
Amazon.com
$8.99 (USD)

Love Your Body

Love Your Body

Written by: Jessica Sanders
Illustrated by: Carol Rossetti
Recommended Age: 8 - 12

Every body is a good body! In this empowering and inclusive book, girls will see and learn about all sorts of different types of bodies. They'll celebrate variations in size, shape, color, ability, and all the other distinctions that make your body YOU. They'll learn about how their bodies will change and grow over time. And they'll learn that the most important things about their body are all the amazing things it can do! This inspiring book introduces important language about self-love to help build girls' resilience, while providing a depiction of the tremendous variety of bodies out there, so that girls can truly love the body they live in!

Buy:
Buy:
Amazon.ca
C$22.99 (CAD)
Amazon.co.uk
£23.47 (GBP)
Amazon.com.au
A$33.85 (AUD)
Amazon.com
$10.49 (USD)

El Deafo

El Deafo

Written by: Cece Bell
Illustrated by: Cece Bell, David Lasky
Recommended Age: 8 - 12

After a bout with a childhood illness renders CeCe hard of hearing, fitting in starts to seem impossible: even if she manages to perfect the difficult art of lip reading, she still has to wear the very obvious Phonic Ear in order to go to school. As she struggles to reconcile her image of herself, CeCe imagines herself as the brave superhero El Deafo, whose confidence is never shaken ad who knows how to handle any challenge. But when CeCe figures out that the Phonic Ear gives her a real-life superpower, suddenly the thing that makes her different allows her to find her own place in the world.

Buy:
Buy:
Amazon.ca
C$19.00 (CAD)
Amazon.co.uk
£8.99 (GBP)
Amazon.com.au
A$19.25 (AUD)
Amazon.com
$9.89 (USD)

A Smart Girl's Guide to Liking Herself — Even on the Bad Days

A Smart Girl's Guide to Liking Herself — Even on the Bad Days

Written by: Laurie Zelinger
Illustrated by: Jennifer Kalis
Recommended Age: 9 - 12

For many tweens, a bad day can shake tentative self-confidence; with bodies and identities changing so fast, it can sometimes seem like self-image is perilously fragile. This volume from the American Girl Library helps girls learn to trust themselves, see the best in every situation, and remind themselves that they can make it through even the worst day with a good attitude.  The quizzes, tips, and advice are fun and accessible, making this book a great option for girls who are ready to start exploring self-esteem in a more complex way.

Buy:
Buy:
Amazon.ca
C$12.99 (CAD)
Amazon.co.uk
£13.86 (GBP)
Amazon.com.au
A$31.99 (AUD)
Amazon.com
$12.22 (USD)

Taking Up Space

Taking Up Space

Written by: Alyson Gerber
Recommended Age: 9 - 12

Basketball has always made Sarah feel better — especially when her mom, who struggles with disordered eating, doesn't feed Sarah, either. But now she's starting puberty, and everything about her body feels wrong... and it's even affecting her performance on the court. She starts setting herself strict rules about what, and when, she can eat, hoping to change her body back and feel a bit more in control. But when she's paired up with her crush Benny in health class, they start cooking together on weekends. Now she's going to have to figure out how to be honest with her friends — and Benny — about what's happening, and how to stand up for what she needs from her mother. Alyson Gerber, the author of Braced and Focused, explores issues around self-esteem and disordered eating in this book that celebrates the power of feeling good about yourself just as you are.

Buy:
Buy:
Amazon.ca
C$11.99 (CAD)
Amazon.co.uk
£16.99 (GBP)
Amazon.com.au
A$27.73 (AUD)
Amazon.com
$8.99 (USD)

The Ugly One

The Ugly One

Written by: Leanne Statland Ellis
Recommended Age: 9 - 12

The deep scar that runs down Micay's face from her eye to her lip marks her as different — and leaves her socially isolated, even in her small Inca village. She tries to hide the scar with her hair and convince herself that she's happy to be alone, but it's hard for her to imagine a whole life like this. Then, one day, a stranger passing through gives her a baby macaw parrot, a gift that will change her life and make her realize that she won't be the Ugly One forever. In addition to its powerful message about self-acceptance the true nature of beauty, kids will be fascinated at the details about the Inca Empire worked into this historical fiction novel.

Buy:
Buy:
Amazon.ca
C$9.99 (CAD)
Amazon.co.uk
(Unavailable)
Amazon.com.au
A$24.25 (AUD)
Amazon.com
$6.29 (USD)

Smile

Smile

Written by: Raina Telgemeier
Illustrated by: Raina Telgemeier
Recommended Age: 9 - 13

After a bad fall which knocks out her front teeth, Raina finds herself starting an odyssey of dental reconstruction: braces, headgear, surgery, and even a retainer with false teeth will be required to get her mouth back into shape. At the same time, her body is changing — and so is her perspective on how her friends treat her. It will take confidence and courage for Raina to stand up for herself, find friends who support her, and rediscover her smile. This funny and poignant graphic novel is sure to be a hit with middle schoolers. It's also available in box set with Raina Telgemeier's equally popular graphic novel Sisters.

Buy:
Buy:
Amazon.ca
C$13.99 (CAD)
Amazon.co.uk
£9.55 (GBP)
Amazon.com.au
A$16.99 (AUD)
Amazon.com
$9.38 (USD)

Jane, The Fox, and Me

Jane, The Fox, and Me

Written by: Fanny Britt
Illustrated by: Isabelle Arsenault
Recommended Age: 9 - 14

Helene is struggling after being suddenly ostracized by her former friends, who now murmur insults and lies behind her back. To escape, Helene plunges into Jane Eyre — but a fictional character is no help when she finds herself humiliated and alone on a school trip. The sighting of a beautiful fox lifts Helene’s spirits temporarily, until another girl chases it away. Then a new girl, Geraldine, arrives in the outcasts’ circle, seemingly unconcerned about the social danger. Soon, Helene realizes that the less time she spends worrying about what the other girls think of her, the more she is able to see that there’s nothing wrong with her at all. This honest and stunning graphic novel reminds kids that connecting with someone — human, fox, or fictional character — can give you the strength to make it through anything.

Buy:
Buy:
Amazon.ca
C$24.99 (CAD)
Amazon.co.uk
£24.53 (GBP)
Amazon.com.au
A$42.63 (AUD)
Amazon.com
$13.99 (USD)

Sticks & Stones

Sticks & Stones

Written by: Abby Cooper
Recommended Age: 10 - 13

Elyse has an unusual condition: ever since she was a baby, the words people use to describe her appear on her skin. Words like "cute" and "adorable" are just an oddity, but as she gets older, she starts seeing words like "loser" and "pathetic" that itch and pull at her skin — and worse, some of them are her own thoughts about herself. Now that's she's twelve, the situation seems dire: the friends who used to accept her are drifting away just as she starts middle school. And then she gets an anonymous message, from someone who says they know what's going on and they want to help. Author Abby Cooper uses Elyse's medical condition as a fascinating metaphor for self-esteem problems in this book that celebrates the healing power of loving yourself as you are.

Buy:
Buy:
Amazon.ca
C$11.99 (CAD)
Amazon.co.uk
(Unavailable)
Amazon.com.au
A$14.62 (AUD)
Amazon.com
$7.09 (USD)

Smaller Sister

Smaller Sister

Written by: Maggie Edkins Willis
Illustrated by: Maggie Edkins Willis
Recommended Age: 10 - 13

Lucy and her big sister Olivia have always been as close as sisters can be, despite their differences — but as Olivia enters middle school, everything starts changing. Suddenly, Olivia doesn't want to play dolls any more, and she's unhappy with how she looks. Worse, she starts refusing to eat dinner. Soon it's obvious to the family that Olivia is struggling with an eating disorder... and their focus on Olivia's recovery means Lucy feels alone, without help navigating the challenges of school and peer pressure. When Lucy also starts feeling body shame, will the family recognize the pattern in time to help her? Willis drew on her childhood experiences with a sibling with anorexia to craft this powerful graphic novel about body image, sisterhood, and how the people around you matter.

Buy:
Buy:
Amazon.ca
C$20.17 (CAD)
Amazon.co.uk
£19.72 (GBP)
Amazon.com.au
A$39.98 (AUD)
Amazon.com
$12.69 (USD)

How to Disappear Completely

How to Disappear Completely

Written by: Ali Standish
Recommended Age: 10 - 13

12-year-old Emma used to treasure weekends with her Gram in her small town of Lanternwood, full of imaginative games and a shared journal where they could write anything. Then Gram admitted she had terminal cancer, and Emma and her family moved to her cottage to help in her last days. Now, Emma is starting school in a new town, grieving the loss of Gram, and getting bullied by a classmate for her newly diagnosed vitiligo. As she struggles to deal with all of that — and discovers that someone is still writing back to her in Gram's journal — Emma will have to figure out how to be herself when everything around her has changed... and the stories she and Gram shared might just be the key.

Buy:
Buy:
Amazon.ca
C$10.00 (CAD)
Amazon.co.uk
£13.22 (GBP)
Amazon.com.au
A$29.89 (AUD)
Amazon.com
$9.99 (USD)

Starfish

Starfish

Written by: Lisa Fipps
Recommended Age: 10 - 13

12-year-old Ellie has been bullied for her weight since she was five — both by her peers and by members of her own family, including her mother, who thinks criticizing Ellie's body will finally make her want to diet. She's set rules for herself: don't eat in public, don't move in ways that make you jiggle, and don't draw attention to yourself. But when a new neighbor, Catalina, moves in next door, she likes Ellie and doesn't even seem to notice her weight. With support from her father and from an insightful therapist who pushes Ellie to explore her feelings, she begins to realize that she could spread out like a starfish and claim her place — just the way she is. This poignant novel-in-verse is sure to start important conversations about body-shaming, self-confidence, and the power of loving yourself.

Buy:
Buy:
Amazon.ca
C$12.49 (CAD)
Amazon.co.uk
£6.89 (GBP)
Amazon.com.au
A$13.09 (AUD)
Amazon.com
$7.18 (USD)

The Body Image Book for Girls: Love Yourself and Grow Up Fearless

The Body Image Book for Girls: Love Yourself and Grow Up Fearless

Written by: Charlotte Markey
Recommended Age: 12 and up

Between the rapid body changes of puberty, and the pressure from outside influences, it's perhaps not a surprise that so many girls feel dissatisfied with their bodies — but they don't have to be! In this guide from body image expert and psychology professor Dr. Charlotte Markey, girls will get helpful information about how their bodies and minds work, why media can distort how we perceive ourselves, how to build healthy habits, and what other real-life girls have done to handle their own body image challenges. Packed with useful tips, interesting stories, and colorful illustrations, this accessible guide will help girls feel comfortable and confident in their own skin!

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Buy:
Amazon.ca
C$16.95 (CAD)
Amazon.co.uk
£9.19 (GBP)
Amazon.com.au
A$16.12 (AUD)
Amazon.com
$14.95 (USD)

Taking Flight: From War Orphan to Star Ballerina

Taking Flight: From War Orphan to Star Ballerina

Recommended Age: 11 and up

Michaela DePrince's vitiligo got her branded "the devil child" at her orphanage in Sierra Leone; the bleached patches on her skin were considered too ugly for her ever to be adopted. Yet, even at that young age, she already had big dreams for her future after seeing a magazine picture of a ballerina on pointe. When she was adopted by an American couple, they encouraged her love of dance and it soon became obvious that she was meant to be a dancer. Today this Mighty Girl is one of ballet's most exciting rising stars. This beautiful and optimistic memoir is sure to intrigue tweens and teens; younger children can read her story in Ballerina Dreams: From Orphan to Dancer for ages 6 to 9.

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Buy:
Amazon.ca
C$14.99 (CAD)
Amazon.co.uk
£8.70 (GBP)
Amazon.com.au
A$22.89 (AUD)
Amazon.com
$8.59 (USD)

45 Pounds (More or Less)

45 Pounds (More or Less)

Written by: Kelly Barson
Recommended Age: 12 and up

Ann Galardi is a size 17; her perfect mother is a size 6. So with Aunt Jackie's wedding coming up in two months — where Ann will be a bridesmaid — Ann decides this is the perfect time to drop the weight and finally have her own life be perfect too. But as she secretly eats diet plan frozen dinners, she also starts to figure out that her blended family has more problems than she thinks and that finding a healthy relationship with food might require finding a way to be happy with herself as she is. Barson beautifully captures how the obsession with thinness can alienate overweight teens, while also revealing that "perfect" people are rarely as perfect as we think, all with a light, funny, and sensitive tone.

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Amazon.ca
C$13.99 (CAD)
Amazon.co.uk
£7.39 (GBP)
Amazon.com.au
A$16.03 (AUD)
Amazon.com
$9.99 (USD)

Deenie

Deenie

Written by: Judy Blume
Recommended Age: 12 and up

12-year-old Deenie has always been beautiful — so beautiful that her mother wants her to be a model — and Deenie has picked up on their attitude that beauty is the most important thing: she's disdainful of people who aren't "pretty enough" and especially of kids with special needs. Then her gym teacher notices that there's something strange about Deenie's gait. The diagnosis is scoliosis, requiring Deenie to wear a brace for multiple years... suddenly turning her into one of the people she's pitied and ignored. But while the brace is helping her back, it's also helping her free herself: from her mother's expectations, from her own self-doubts, and from the belief that physical beauty is the only important thing in life. This classic novel from beloved author Judy Blume has been updated to present an accurate idea of modern scoliosis treatment, but the emotional message is as powerful as it was when she first wrote it.

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Amazon.ca
C$9.99 (CAD)
Amazon.co.uk
(Unavailable)
Amazon.com.au
A$21.71 (AUD)
Amazon.com
$6.69 (USD)

The Body Image Workbook for Teens: Activities to Help Girls Develop a Healthy Body Image in an Image-Obsessed World

The Body Image Workbook for Teens: Activities to Help Girls Develop a Healthy Body Image in an Image-Obsessed World

Written by: Julia V. Taylor MA
Recommended Age: 13 and up

When you're surrounded by images of perfect people, made even more perfect with makeup, lighting, and computer wizardry, it's easy to feel pressured to look a certain way. In this workbook, girls will learn to deal with some of the most common body image challenges they face every day, including comparison, negative self-talk, toxic friendships, and societal and family pressure. They'll also learn that accepting your body is the first step to treating it with respect — something that will make them healthier and happier throughout their lives.

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Buy:
Amazon.ca
C$25.15 (CAD)
Amazon.co.uk
£17.09 (GBP)
Amazon.com.au
A$31.91 (AUD)
Amazon.com
$21.55 (USD)

The Skin I'm In

The Skin I'm In

Written by: Sharon Flake
Recommended Age: 13 and up

Maleeka is used to the taunts she gets daily from her classmates; if they're not teasing her about her homemade clothes or her good grades, they're mocking her dark black skin. Maleeka would trade anything to be part of the in-group, rather than on the outside. But when a new teacher comes to the school — whose face bears a giant blotch of white — Maleeka is shocked but intrigued to realize that Miss Saunders doesn't really care what people say; she loves the skin she's in. Perhaps Maleeka can learn to love her own, too. Teens will appreciate Flake's realistic depiction of the pain this kind of criticism can cause and empathize with Maleeka's struggle to find her confidence and self-assurance.

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Buy:
Amazon.ca
C$11.18 (CAD)
Amazon.co.uk
£7.15 (GBP)
Amazon.com.au
A$19.99 (AUD)
Amazon.com
$8.79 (USD)

The Intuitive Eating Workbook for Teens

A Non-Diet, Body Positive Approach to Building a Healthy Relationship with Food

The Intuitive Eating Workbook for Teens

A Non-Diet, Body Positive Approach to Building a Healthy Relationship with Food

Written by: Elyse Resch
Recommended Age: 13 and up

It's all too easy to reach for food as a source of comfort — but stress eating, emotional eating, and binge eating don't address your feelings, and have emotional and physical consequences of their own. Learning to identify your body's natural hunger and fullness signals through intuitive eating will help you feel better and build healthy habits that power your body to be its best! In this book from the Instant Help Solutions series, you'll learn why the dieting mentality doesn't promote a healthy attitude to food, how to get in touch with your physical and emotional needs, and how to find joy in the body you have. It's an empowering and effective way to develop a positive relationship with food and eating.

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Buy:
Amazon.ca
C$24.74 (CAD)
Amazon.co.uk
£14.25 (GBP)
Amazon.com.au
A$30.35 (AUD)
Amazon.com
$17.12 (USD)

A Face for Picasso: Coming of Age with Crouzon Syndrome

A Face for Picasso: Coming of Age with Crouzon Syndrome

Written by: Ariel Henley
Recommended Age: 13 and up

When Ariel and her twin sister Zan were diagnosed with Crouzon syndrome, a craniofacial condition where the bones of the head fuse prematurely, it was the start of dozens of surgeries that blurred the lines between medical need and making them aesthetically pleasing. As she grew, she began to realize how our society others people: fat people, people with facial differences, people of different races, and more. In this powerful young adult memoir, she explores her thoughts about beauty, identity, and feeling alienated from your own body through the lens of Picasso's life as an artist — and how his misogyny and ableism affected it. Poignant and thought-provoking, this book challenges us to examine our assumptions and urges us to look at people with new eyes.

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Buy:
Amazon.ca
C$18.38 (CAD)
Amazon.co.uk
£17.50 (GBP)
Amazon.com.au
A$25.40 (AUD)
Amazon.com
$11.39 (USD)

Dumplin'

Dumplin'

Written by: Julie Murphy
Recommended Age: 14 and up

Plump and happy Willowdean contrasts dramatically with her former beauty queen mother, but that's okay; she knows there's no reason she needs to strive for thinness. That is, until she starts dating Bo, a hot former jock, and finds herself feeling strangely insecure. So she decides to handle it with her usual gusto — and enters the local beauty pageant. After all, she's always said, if you've got it, flaunt it! Teens and adults will love the authentic and encouraging voice of Will and her friends. Fans of Dumplin' will also want to check out the companion novel, Puddin'.

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Buy:
Amazon.ca
C$13.40 (CAD)
Amazon.co.uk
£4.50 (GBP)
Amazon.com.au
A$15.39 (AUD)
Amazon.com
$7.69 (USD)

Scars Like Wings

Scars Like Wings

Written by: Erin Stewart
Recommended Age: 14 and up

A year and nineteen surgeries ago, a terrible fire killed Ava Lee's parents — and her cousin and best friend, Sarah — and left her with severe burns. Now, her aunt and uncle think she should go back to school so that she can live a "normal" life — but Ava thinks that's impossible. At her new school, though, Ava meets a fellow burn survivor named Piper, and a Pakistani-American theater buff named Asad, who start coaxing her into creating a life. But Piper is struggling with her own secrets and problems, and as Ava faces discrimination and bullying, she'll have to find the confidence it takes to claim the life she could have. This touching novel celebrates the courage it takes to survive and the power that comes with claiming your confidence.

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Amazon.ca
C$17.99 (CAD)
Amazon.co.uk
£22.69 (GBP)
Amazon.com.au
A$21.36 (AUD)
Amazon.com
$10.50 (USD)

My Eyes Are Up Here

My Eyes Are Up Here

Written by: Laura Zimmermann
Recommended Age: 14 and up

Two big things stand in sophomore Greer Walsh's way: Maude and Mavis, the names she's given to her size 30H breasts. Instead of being able to focus on her love of math and volleyball, she's wrestling with finding shirts that fit and dealing with stares from the boys at school. Then a new kid, Jackson, takes an interest in Greer — not Maude and Mavis. He encourages her to try out for the volleyball team, and supports her when she faces challenges like finding a formal dress. Funny, heartbreaking, and real, this book will speak to anyone who's struggling to find where they fit during their body's most tumultuous years.

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Amazon.ca
C$14.99 (CAD)
Amazon.co.uk
£7.04 (GBP)
Amazon.com.au
A$15.39 (AUD)
Amazon.com
$9.99 (USD)

More Than a Body: Your Body Is an Instrument, Not an Ornament

More Than a Body: Your Body Is an Instrument, Not an Ornament

Recommended Age: 15 and up

Many people think positive body image is about believing your body looks good, but Lindsay and Lexie Kite, PhDs and founders of the nonprofit Beauty Redefined, want you to understand that it's about knowing your body is good! Drawing from their extensive research into body image, this sister pair help readers confront the effects of media and advertisers — particularly the beauty and weight-loss industries — on body image, and how to reframe your thinking to free yourself from the body shame they teach. They also explore how confronting your own self-objectification can help you reconnect with yourself and achieve personal growth. Written for adult women, but with advice that's perfect for older teens too, this book will help you see your body, and your self, in a new light.

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Amazon.ca
C$21.99 (CAD)
Amazon.co.uk
£14.88 (GBP)
Amazon.com.au
A$19.49 (AUD)
Amazon.com
$11.39 (USD)

Books for Parents and Educators

If you'd also like a resource for adults about modeling and teaching positive body image, these two books will provide great advice.

Good Girls Don't Get Fat: How Weight Obsession is Messing Up Our Girls and How We Can Help Them Thrive Despite It

Good Girls Don't Get Fat: How Weight Obsession is Messing Up Our Girls and How We Can Help Them Thrive Despite It

Written by: Robyn Silverman

Teens often create mental "rules" about weight based on the messages they get from everyone around them — everything from "my emotional state should depend on how fat I feel" to "I'm worth more when I weigh less." Silverman uses her research results to provide tips on how to combat these "good girl rules" about weight, whether they come from media messages or from within family or social groups, and provides perspectives from plus-sized models on how to be happy with your body at any size. By planning positive ways to have discussions about body image, parents and educators can combat the "good girl rules" and help girls develop strong, independent body image.

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Buy:
Amazon.ca
C$32.74 (CAD)
Amazon.co.uk
£20.83 (GBP)
Amazon.com.au
A$39.51 (AUD)
Amazon.com
$12.99 (USD)

You'd Be So Pretty If...: Teaching Our Daughters to Love Their Bodies — Even When We Don't Love Our Own

You'd Be So Pretty If...: Teaching Our Daughters to Love Their Bodies — Even When We Don't Love Our Own

Written by: Dara Chadwick

Teaching positive self-image to your daughter can be harder if you struggle with body image yourself. In this fresh and compassionate book, author Dara Chadwick shows the influence that adults — mothers in particular — have on their daughters' body image. She addresses how to talk to girls about healthy eating and activity levels, what trigger words girls may be particularly sensitive to that could cause a body image crisis, and how to recognize signs of poor body image or an eating disorder early. With humor and heart, Chadwick shows how you can change your own thinking and foster a positive attitude towards health in the girls around you.

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Buy:
Amazon.ca
C$23.19 (CAD)
Amazon.co.uk
£14.35 (GBP)
Amazon.com.au
A$43.65 (AUD)
Amazon.com
$18.51 (USD)

101 Ways to Help Your Daughter Love Her Body

101 Ways to Help Your Daughter Love Her Body

In this book, a clinical psychologist and an award-winning journalist team up to show parents that there are dozens of ways to help their girls develop positive self-image! These positive messages can begin as soon as a girl is born, with simple, pleasant activities like baby massage or dancing together, to provide a strong foundation for a positive relationship with her body; then, as she grows, you can talk about more complex issues, including media, safety, sexuality, and more — all in ways that communicate that bodies are wonderful and deserve to be honored and respected.

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Buy:
Amazon.ca
C$15.69 (CAD)
Amazon.co.uk
£16.75 (GBP)
Amazon.com.au
A$35.01 (AUD)
Amazon.com
$13.10 (USD)

The New Puberty: How to Navigate Early Development in Today's Girls

The New Puberty: How to Navigate Early Development in Today's Girls

Recommended Age: Adults

Body image issues often arise along with physical development, and that can be complicated by early puberty. With less emotional maturity, an eight-year-old with the body of a thirteen-year-old may struggle with her own perceptions of her body and with others' reactions to her. In this book, parents and educators will learn how to support early-developing girls through the emotional and physical changes of puberty, from talking about puberty in an age-appropriate way to helping girls work through how they feel about their new selves. This thoroughly researched guide will help adults feel confident that they can guide girls through this important transition in a positive, self-accepting way.

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Buy:
Amazon.ca
C$15.19 (CAD)
Amazon.co.uk
£11.75 (GBP)
Amazon.com.au
A$24.99 (AUD)
Amazon.com
$13.49 (USD)

Additional Recommended Resources

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