What kind of book motivates us to take care of ourselves? The most effective health and wellness titles inspire rather than lecture. These series are like running partners: friends who cheer us on. Those for the youngest readers, like “Let’s Get Active,” are successful because they tell stories through strong visuals and memorable facts. Middle and high schoolers will find the richest information in books that include charts and graphs, like “On My Plate.” We all know the importance of eating fruits and veggies, but the best books impart this message by shedding light on how this fare helps our bodies and minds. These titles provide new insights into choices we make every day.

Preschool to Grade 4

Balcom, Katherine. Campground. ISBN 9781489622389; ISBN 9781489622396.

––––. Playground. ISBN 9781489622341; ISBN 9781489622358.

––––. Schoolyard. ISBN 9781489622464; ISBN 9781489622471.

––––. Water Park. ISBN 9781489622426; ISBN 9781489622433.

ea vol: 24p. (Let’s Get Active). photos. websites. Weigl. 2014. lib. ed. $27.13. pap. $12.95.

PreS-Gr 1 –These titles introduce different places for outdoor activity. They present interesting facts (for instance, “There are more than 10,000 campgrounds in America”) and discuss the types of activities kids and families will enjoy doing (for example, canoeing, hiking, and fishing in Campgrounds). Clear and bold, the texts are easy for new readers to decipher, while the design is smooth and uncluttered, with stunning photographs of nature that feature joyful-looking, diverse families. The series emphasizes the importance of exercise, without lecturing readers. At the end of each book, children are asked to reflect on what they learned, which promotes engagement with the text. Accompanying video and audio are available on the publisher’s website. Great additions.

Chae, InSeon. Handy Mr. Hippo. illus. by Kim YouDae. ISBN 9781599536521.

Cho, SungJa. Bubbly and Grumpy. illus. by Sa SukWon. ISBN 9781599536514.

Choi, JeongIm. Who’s Coming Tonight? illus. by MinJeong Gang. ISBN 9781599536538.

Choi, SeoYun. Let’s Be Friends. illus. by Masumi Furukawa. ISBN 9781599536491.

Jeong, SoYun. Lulu the Shy Piglet. illus. by Laura Orsolini. ISBN 9781599536453.

Kim, Cecil. Friendship Quilt. illus. by HaJin Jeong. ISBN 9781599536507.

Kim, HoJeong. Kanga and Anger. illus. by SookKyeong Kim. ISBN 9781599536439.

Kim, JiYu. Zippy the Runner. illus. by JeongHyeon Seon. ISBN 9781599536477.

Kim, YeShil. We Are Proud of You. illus. by The Pope Twins. ISBN 9781599536422.

Kim, YoeongAh. Shooting Stars Soccer Team. illus. by HyeongJin Lee. ISBN 9781599536484.

Kim, YunYeong. Brown Bear’s Dream. illus. by KyeMahn Kim. ISBN 9781599536460.

Kook, JiSeung. Ouch! It Stings! illus. by JiSeung Kook. ISBN 9781599536446.

ea vol: 32p. (MySELF Bookshelf). illus. Norwood House. 2014. lib. ed. $22.60.

PreS-Gr 1 –Each of these titles explores a different emotional or personal trait, such as perseverance. However, the execution of plot often flounders. For example, the persevering Brown Bear lifts weights with rocks after a leg injury, which seems unwise. The art varies widely, as some illustrators are stronger than others. The art in Handy Mr. Hippo resembles that of Richard Scarry, while others, such as Lulu the Shy Piglet, seems rudimentary and amateurish. Each title includes a “Social and Emotional Learning Focus” page with practical exercises to help readers go deeper into each topic. Some classroom activities seem incomplete. For example, in Bubbly and Grumpy, a book about sharing, readers will find a very lackluster activity (writing down the names of five people they’d like to share with). An exercise helping children deal with shyness—making a treasure chest and writing down positive qualities on circles—seems slightly fuller, but there is nevertheless a lack of thoughtfulness. This series lacks focus in a major way.

Cosson, M.J. The Smart Kid’s Guide to Feeling Sad or Angry. ISBN 9781626873414.

––––. The Smart Kid’s Guide to Friendships. ISBN 9781626873421.

––––. The Smart Kid’s Guide to Knowing What to Say. ISBN 9781626873438.

––––. The Smart Kid’s Guide to Using the Internet. ISBN 9781626873476.

Petersen, Christine. The Smart Kid’s Guide to Divorce. ISBN 9781626873407.

––––. The Smart Kid’s Guide to Losing a Pet. ISBN 9781626873469.

––––. The Smart Kid’s Guide to Manners. ISBN 9781626873445.

––––. The Smart Kid’s Guide to Moving. ISBN 9781626873452.

ea vol: illus. by Ronnie Rooney. 32p. (The Smart Kid’s Guide to Everyday Life). further reading. glossary. index. photos. websites. The Child’s World. 2014. lib. ed. $28.50.

Gr 2-5 –This uneven series provides an overview of common social experiences and struggles, defining each issue and offering advice for coping. Half of the titles, those by Cosson, are well written, in a wise, noncondescending, no-nonsense style that will resonate with children. Cosson anticipates the topics and questions young people will have and provides mock dialogues to enliven the text. Petersen is less savvy, opening up books with staid examples about George Washington and Princess Diana that seem out of place in titles about emotional health. The book on divorce seems to be the most tone-deaf, with Petersen using dated vocabulary such as naughty. At times, however, she hits her mark. Unfortunately, too many titles in this series are missing a child’s voice or perspective. Overall, the design is weak, with cheerful graphics of stars surrounding images related to dark topics, although the photographs feature convincing child actors. An inconsistent series, with some decent selections.

Etingoff, Kim. Building a Healthy Diet with the 5 Food Groups. ISBN 9781422230954; ISBN 9781422287866.

Scott, Celicia. My Daily Diet: Proteins. ISBN 9781422230992; ISBN 9781422287903.

––––. My Daily Diet: Vegetables. ISBN 9781422231005; ISBN 9781422287910.

Waters, Rosa. My Daily Diet: Dairy. ISBN 9781422230961; ISBN 9781422287873.

––––. My Daily Diet: Fruits. ISBN 9781422230978; ISBN 9781422287880.

––––. My Daily Diet: Grains. ISBN 9781422230985; ISBN 9781422287897.

ea vol: 48p. (On My Plate). further reading. glossary. index. photos. websites. Mason Crest. 2014. lib. ed. $20.95. ebk. $26.95.

Gr 2-5 –Created with help from a consultant who is a pediatrician and professor at Harvard Medical School, this series provides a thorough overview of different food groups: where they come from and what role they play in our overall health. Suggested research projects are strong and engaging. Students can do research to find out the closest place where beans, nuts, and seeds are grown. The illustrations give the text-heavy pages a stale, textbook feel. However, the charts are phenomenal; one shows how many ounces of protein people need at different ages, while another lists the iron, carbohydrates, sugar, potassium, and other nutrients found in 20 different fruits. Despite the design, this is a very smart, readable series.

Ferguson, Addy. Antibullying Clubs. ISBN 9781477766316.

––––. How to Deal with an Adult Bully. ISBN 9781477768815.

––––. Smartphone Bullying. ISBN 9781 477768884.

––––. What to Do When You Are Bullied for Being Different. ISBN 9781477768921.

––––. What to Do When Your Brother or Sister Is a Bully. ISBN 9781477768983.

––––. What to Do When Your Friends Are Bullies. ISBN 9781477768778.

ea vol: 24p. (Stand Up: Bullying Prevention). glossary. index. photos. websites. PowerKids. 2014. lib. ed. $22.60.

Gr 2-4 –Each book begins with a broad definition of bullying, then zooms in on a particular type or scenario. Unfortunately, most titles take too long to get to the point. Students will be impatient wading through general information. When they finally do get to the main issue, they will be disappointed by the lack of specificity (“Bystanders have power, too. They can tell a bully to stop.”). The author makes it sound as though bullying has a simple solution but doesn’t address complex social dynamics or reasons why kids don’t always do the right thing. Some suggestions make sense, such as capturing screenshots of cyberbullying, but there are very limited takeaways. Those who read the entire series will be discouraged by the repetition of basic information. Children featured in overly bright photo spreads are model perfect but poor actors: they seem to be smiling and joking in photos that supposedly portray disturbing incidences of bullying. Well-intentioned but weak offerings.

Hughes, Jack. Dachy’s Deaf. ISBN 9781477792223.

––––. Emmy’s Eczema. ISBN 9781477792346.

––––. Rex’s Specs. ISBN 9781477792261.

––––. Steggie’s Stutter. ISBN 9781477792308.

ea vol: 32p. (Dinosaur Friends). Windmill. 2014. lib. ed. $25.25.

PreS-Gr 2 –Dinosaurs who suffer from disorders or special needs educate readers about their lives through fictional narratives that include only a tiny amount of health information. Plotlines are predictable: Steggy stutters, and as a result, she can’t warn her friends not to go into a dark forest, while a dinosaur who needs glasses can’t see well enough to escape a bear. Readers will come away with a general understanding of what it’s like to live with various conditions, although the writing is so generic that one won’t necessarily bond with the dinosaurs as characters. The illustrations are weak: the colors are dull, and the design has a dated quality. These titles lack the health information expected from nonfiction, but they aren’t entertaining enough for fiction. A hybrid experiment that falls flat.

Kreisman, Rachelle. Back Off Sneezy!: A Kids’ Guide to Staying Well. ISBN 9781937529697; ISBN 9781937529680. LC 2013956244.

––––. Start Sweating!: A Kids’ Guide to Being Active. ISBN 9781937529659; ISBN 9781937529642. LC 2013956241.

––––. What’s That Smell?: A Kids’ Guide to Keeping Clean. ISBN 9781937529673; ISBN 9781937529666. LC 2013956242.

––––. You Want Me to Eat That?: A Kids’ Guide to Eating Right. ISBN 9781937529710; ISBN 9781937529703. LC 2013956245.

ea vol: illus. by Tim Haggerty. 32p. (Start Smart: Health). ebook available. further reading. glossary. illus. index. photos. websites. Red Chair. 2014. lib. ed. $26.60. pap. $7.95.

Gr 2-4 –This series encourages kids to take control of their eating, exercise, germs, and hygiene—and does so with a rare and refreshing burst of humor. Attractively designed and featuring diverse children, each book includes “Try This,” “Did You Know?” and “Just Joking!” sidebars that will pique students’ interest. Though the text per page is sparse, it’s crammed with rich information, including photo captions (“Jumping rope helps build strong bones”). None of the advice seems obvious, even when it is basic; for example, the suggestion to wear loose clothes when exercising is followed with the pointer that merino wool or polyester helps us stay cool. Playful cartoons and jokes add levity (“Q: What kind of music do rabbits like? A: Hip-hop!”). The safety information here is illuminating, such as the suggestion to keep bike helmets snug. Self-assessment quizzes at the end make this series a home run.

Nelson, Maria. I’m Allergic to Milk. ISBN 9781482409680.

––––. I’m Allergic to Peanuts. ISBN 9781 482409741.

––––. I’m Allergic to Pets. ISBN 9781 482409796.

––––. I’m Allergic to Strawberries. ISBN 9781 482409840.

––––. I’m Allergic to Wheat. ISBN 9781 482409895.

Rajczak, Kristen. I’m Allergic to Bees. ISBN 9781482407877.

ea vol: 24p. (I’m Allergic). further reading. glossary. index. photos. websites. Gareth Stevens. 2014. lib. ed. $22.60.

Gr 1-3 –Though this series presents some solid information, the visuals are somewhat uneven. Many of the cover images are unintentionally funny, with kids acting out allergy reactions with goofy expressions, taking away from the seriousness of the issues at hand. Other graphics, such as a close-up of a bee’s stinger and an extreme allergic reaction, convey the true danger of allergies. However, the books are so well written and researched that it may be worth overlooking the art. Each title begins with a general definition of what an allergy is, then focuses on a particular type. The writing is concise enough that readers won’t mind the repetition if they speed through the whole series. Despite some flaws, the material is communicated creatively and eloquently.

Schuh, Mari. Dairy-Free Diets. ISBN 9781491405901.

––––. Diabetes-Aware Diets. ISBN 9781 491405925.

––––. Gluten-Free Diets. ISBN 9781491405895.

––––. Nut-Free Diets. ISBN 9781491405918.

ea vol: 24p. (Special Diets). further reading. glossary. index. photos. websites. Capstone. 2014. lib. ed. $24.65.

PreS-Gr 2 –Health issues and allergies that require special diets are explained in eloquent, accessible language. The author presents various health conditions as serious yet manageable and ends each title with a delicious-looking “Safe Recipe” a child and adult can make together. Common Core questions invite further research. Excellent design and bold color images of appealingly photographed foods make this series inviting. Diverse children in relaxed poses (some with gap-toothed smiles) add further charm. Readers will learn about dietary restrictions as well as safety protocols for handling allergy-related emergencies. Additionally, students will come away informed about creative ways people can handle food restrictions; for instance, gluten-free guests can have ice cream at a birthday party without the cake. Readers will likely gain empathy toward those with allergies or a better understanding of their own dietary restriction.

Grades 5 & Up

DiPrimio, Pete. The World of CrossFit. ISBN 9781612285528.

Gagne, Tammy. Trends in Martial Arts. ISBN 9781612285535.

Kjelle, Marylou. Trends in Hip-Hop Dance. ISBN 9781612285559.

Leavitt, Amie. Yoga Fitness. ISBN 9781612285511.

ea vol: 48p. (Dance and Fitness Trends). ebook available. further reading. glossary. index. notes. photos. websites. Mitchell Lane. 2014. lib. ed. $29.95.

Gr 7 Up –This series introduces sports that may not be taught in typical physical education classes, such as yoga and cross-training. Each book begins with a descriptive story about teens experiencing a workout: a blow-by-blow approach that slows down the flow with too many details, leaving readers hungry for a basic factual overview. There is also an excess of information about fringe yoga styles like doga (yoga with dogs). These books don’t hone in on the information that kids will need when deciding whether to try one of these exercises, throwing a ton of material at readers without organizing it or communicating clearly (for instance, the chapter on yoga history comes too soon, before readers know enough about its role in contemporary society), and long walls of text may be intimidating. The graphics appear dated, with page numbers in compact disc icons, and the photo quality is dark, blurry, and poor, many of them featuring adult models who won’t resonate with the intended audience. Though the books take on interesting subjects, their many flaws make them problematic.

Etingoff, Kim. Embarrassment, Shame, and Guilt. ISBN 9781422230695.

––––. Fear and Anxiety. ISBN 9781422230732.

Hill, Z.B. Envy and Jealousy. ISBN 9781422230725.

––––. Happiness. ISBN 9781422230749.

––––. Loneliness. ISBN 9781422230756.

––––. Optimism and Self-Confidence. ISBN 9781422230763.

––––. Romantic Attraction. ISBN 9781422230770.

––––. Sadness. ISBN 9781422230787.

Waters, Rosa. Anger. ISBN 9781422230688.

––––. Emotional Self-Awareness. ISBN 9781422230701.

––––. Empathy and Compassion. ISBN 9781422230718.

––––. Stress and Tension. ISBN 9781422230794.

––––. Surprise and Flexibility. ISBN 9781422230800.

ea vol: 64p. (Causes & Effects of Emotions). ebook available. further reading. glossary. index. photos. websites. Mason Crest. 2014. Tr. $23.95.

Gr 7 Up –These books provide a multifaceted overview of common emotions, offering explanations that are always informative and never heavy-handed or obvious. For example, Fear and Anxiety describes anxiety as “apprehension about something that isn’t right in front of you.” The books make effective use of fictional stories that give a human face to the emotions (for instance, a girl named Mya’s uneasiness about an upcoming soccer game is used to describe anxiety). Readers also learn about the physical symptoms that can result from feelings and about what is happening in the brain. A discussion of how even the most negative emotions can play a positive role will be enlightening. Graphics help visual learners conceptualize abstract ideas. For instance, a “Stress meter” shows the levels of anxiety on a barometer from “coping” to “stressed” to “anxiety attack.” Activity suggestions, such as drawing a neuron, are as top-notch as the rest of the content. Strong offerings.

Hill, Z.B. Core Workouts. ISBN 9781 422231579; ISBN 9781422286951.

––––. Cross-Training. ISBN 9781422231586; ISBN 9781422286968.

––––. Eating Right & Additional Supplements for Fitness. ISBN 9781422231593; ISBN 9781422286975.

––––. Endurance & Cardio Training. ISBN 9781422231609; ISBN 9781422286982.

––––. Exercise for Physical & Mental Health. ISBN 9781422231616; ISBN 9781422286999.

James, Sara. Flexibility & Agility. ISBN 9781422231623; ISBN 9781422287002.

––––. Step Aerobics & Aerobic Dance. ISBN 9781422231647; ISBN 9781422287026.

––––. Yoga & Pilates. ISBN 9781422231661; ISBN 9781422287040.

Scott, Celicia. Sports & Fitness. ISBN 9781422231630; ISBN 9781422287019.

––––. Weight Lifting & Strength Building. ISBN 9781422231654; ISBN 9781422287033.

ea vol: 64p. (An Integrated Life of Fitness). further reading. glossary. index. photos. websites. Mason Crest. 2014. Tr. $23.95. ebk. $29.95.

Gr 9 Up –Each title introduces readers to various styles of exercise and their benefits, providing historical and scientific background as well as practical exercise routines. The photos show relatable teens, and though the graphics are dated, they’re understated and don’t interfere with the texts. Luckily, the overly chummy tone in the introductions (Core Workouts cheerfully states, “We’ve got your back!”) disappears later on, and a more academic style of writing takes over. Explanations of how physical activity strengthens muscle groups and mental functioning will provide subtle motivation, and “Text Dependent Questions” will assist with closer reading and research activity. The physiological information is detailed enough for a college course in exercise science. Each book touches on safety and common injuries. Despite a few missteps, this excellent series demonstrates how a physical education class can be interdisciplinary and academically rigorous.

Scott, Celicia. Caffeine: Energy Drinks, Coffee, Soda, & Pills. ISBN 9781422230183; ISBN 9781422288047.

––––. Dangerous Depressants & Sedatives. ISBN 9781422230190; ISBN 9781422288054.

––––. Doping: Human Growth Hormone, Steroids, & Other Performance-Enhancing Drugs. ISBN 9781422230206; ISBN 9781422288061.

––––. Hard Drugs: Cocaine, LSD, PCP, & Heroin. ISBN 9781422230213; ISBN 9781422288078.

––––. New Drugs: Bath Salts, Spice, Salvia, & Designer Drugs. ISBN 9781422230244; ISBN 9781422288108.

Waters, Rosa. ADHD Medication Abuse: Ritalin® Adderall®, & Other Addictive Stimulants. ISBN 9781422230169; ISBN 9781422288023.

––––. Alcohol & Tobacco. ISBN 9781422230176; ISBN 9781422288030.

––––. Marijuana: Legal & Developmental Consequences. ISBN 9781422230220; ISBN 9781422288085.

––––. Methamphetamine & Other Amphetamines. ISBN 97814222-30237; ISBN 9781422288092.

––––. Over-the-Counter Medications. ISBN 9781422230251; ISBN 9781422288115.

––––. Prescription Painkillers: Oxycontin™, Percocet®, Vicodin®, & Other Addictive Analgesics. ISBN 9781422230268; ISBN 9781422288122.

ea vol: 48p. (Downside of Drugs). further reading. glossary. index. photos. websites. Mason Crest. 2014. Tr. $20.95. ebk. $26.95.

Gr 6-8 –Written with a Harvard Medical School consultant, this series discusses drugs in a tone that is appropriately sober yet not alarmist or condescending. The authors demonstrate empathy toward teens and the pressures they face. Many graphics seem macabre and over-the-top, such as an image of the Grim Reaper in ADHD Medication Abuse, whose unintentional humor belittles the serious message. However, many diagrams convey useful content, including a diagram in Dangerous Depressants and Sedatives that shows parts of the body affected by depressants and another one demonstrating how the chemicals impact the brain. Readers will absorb vast amounts of information through the text and the sidebars, which lend themselves to discussion and further research. Despite some awkward moments, this series is mostly well written and expertly researched.

Young readers—indeed, all readers—prefer compelling stories and dynamic design over didactic messages. In Weigl’s “Let’s Get Active” and Capstone’s “Special Diets,” colorful photographs of stunning outdoor scenes and fruits and vegetables make active, nutritious diets appealing. Scientific information about exercise’s benefit to brain functioning and emotional health provide extra incentive to hit the gym, as we find in Mason Crest’s “An Integrated Life of Fitness.” Books that include content-packed charts and sidebars, and Common Core–inspired research questions, will provide the richest experience for readers—as we find with Mason Crest’s “On My Plate.” As the strongest in this collection shows, we are encouraged to take care of ourselves when provided with detailed, well-researched information in a lively manner.