Children’s Books About Body Image

The incomparable Debbie Allen pens a semi-autobiographical picture book about Sassy, a young ballerina who worries that her too-large feet, too-long legs, and even her big mouth will keep her from her dream. She tries to impress a big director who comes to her class with big jumps and a bright leotard, but her efforts go unappreciated at first. But Sassy doesn’t give up, letting no one get in the way of her big dreams.

I love this new picture book that celebrates all bodies! From different skin tones to hair textures to body shapes, this sweet and joyful book is one way to introduce young readers to how bodies may be different but are always cool.

This beautiful picture book celebrates the shape of Asian eyes. A young girl realizes that her eyes are like her mother’s, her grandmother’s, and her little sister’s. They have eyes that kiss in the corners and glow like warm tea, crinkle into crescent moons, and are filled with stories of the past and hope for the future. A sweet, tender book about family and self-love.

This book stole my heart! (It also stole my 11-year-old daughter’s heart who both laughed and cried when she read it.) It’s a stunning middle grade book-in-verse about Ellie who has been bullied about her weight since she was five. Her mother and sister are constantly commenting about her size, and the only relief she finds is in the pool where she can take up all the room she wants. With the help of her dad, her therapist, and her new neighbor, Catalina, Ellie begins to love who she is.

This honest and compelling middle grade book explores disordered eating and the pressure and confusion that comes with a changing body. Sarah loves basketball more than anything, but recently her body hasn’t felt like her own and she isn’t playing the way she used to. With confusing food messages from her mom and health teacher, Sarah tries to figure out how to be her best self on the basketball court. With the help of new and old friends, Sarah discovers that true strength comes from finding the courage to feel good about yourself.

This is another wonderful middle grade novel-in-verse! All of Me follows Ari, a boy who is going through a lot of change. His family just moved to a new place and he is trying to meet new people all while dealing with body image issues. Relentlessly bullied for his weight, Ari also struggles to talk to his parents who are so busy they don’t notice he is struggling. This tender and honest novel is a must-read.