Body Talk

This was an incredible anthology about bodies and all the things they come with. I really loved the diverse perspectives throughout this anthology and it opened my eyes to many things.

Body Talk is book of essays of different bodies. I love that it has included all different kinds of disabilities and how people have to navigate then in their life. I think this book is important and I hope everyone picks it up when it comes out!

My favorite essay was:
Fifty Swimsuits by Julie Murphy

Body Talk is an excellent addition to a teen library. The overall theme is about body posititivity, but not in the typical way. This book contains essays from all genders that address how one can love their body though disability, sexuality, reproductive health, and run-of-the mill appearance issues. I love that this book has FAQs and "Do You Know About?" sections, as well as lists of real life role models that can be used to further explore and celebrate each topic. The essays are honest and real, something that teens don't get enough of in social media and advertising. Even though this book is intended for teens and young adults, I think that adults can also appreciate the essays in this book; it would be a great parent/guardian book to read to learn how to broach sensitive topics that may cause embarrassment in many households and can be used to teach awareness, sensitivity, and empathy.

In editor Kelly Jensen's third YA nonfiction anthology, we see how essayists have struggled with body positivity from things we can see on the outside like scars to invisible things on the inside like chronic illnesses. Like in Jensen's previous anthologies, she has sent out her batsignal and gotten the best of YA authors, advocates, athletes, and even supermodel Tyra Banks to contribute. Put this highly important and Own Voices book in your teens' hands as soon as it comes out in August.