From School Library Journal
Grade 5-9-Crump discusses personal hygiene problems and how to deal with them, from greasy hair and smelly feet to food caught in braces and cystic acne. She clearly knows just how to loosen up readers who might find the information embarrassing. The author doesn't mince words but remains empathetic throughout, and the medical information behind personal hygiene practice is accurate and up-to-date. Sidebars present interesting facts, trivia, and humorous asides, and quotes from teens and preteens about their own experiences with sweaty hands, unexpected erections, and menstruation appear throughout. The cartoon illustrations and a colorful cover make this a visually appealing choice. Lynda Madaras's "What's Happening to My Body" books (Newmarket) are for slightly older teens.Susan Riley, Mount Kisco Public Library, NYCopyright 2003 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Book Description
Puberty can be a pain. Who needs acne? B.O.? Stinky feet? Just when you're moving from childhood to adulthood—a time a huge social, emotional, and physical changes—parts of your body betray you. Why does puberty have to make kids feel (and smell, and look) so bad? Actually, it doesn't. Good hygiene can make a big difference in how kids feel about themselves—and how others feel about them. DON'T SWEAT IT! covers self-care from head to to—from dandruff to breakouts, bad breath to germ hands, body odor to the parts "down there," and finally, smelly feet. Fascinating facts, friendly tips, and funny illustrations combine in a lighthearted approach that kids find appealing. As they smile at the illustrations and laugh at the jokes, they learn the basics of hygiene and why it matters. Recommended for all upper elementary and middle-school students, their parents, teachers, coaches, counselors, and anyone else who cares about kids.

From the Publisher
Selected by New York Public Libraries for the "Books For The Teen Age 2003 List", the best titles published for teenagers, ages 12-18.

About the Author
Marguerite Crump, M.A., M.Ed., has her master's degree in journalism and physical education. A health educator at the University of Missouri, she does presentations in Missouri public schools on the topic of hygiene.

ANNOTATION

An introduction to common concerns of adolescence, such as acne and body odor, covering the physical changes of puberty and offering tips on caring for oneself from head to toe.

FROM THE PUBLISHER

Puberty happens. If you're between the ages of nine and thirteen (maybe older), it's happening to you. And you already know that change is the name of the game. Especially when it comes to your body. Some of the physical changes you're dealing with now (or will be soon) aren't fun. In fact, they stink -- like bad breath, sweaty armpits, and smelly feet. If you have them, you're not alone. If you're too embarrassed to talk about them, join the club. If you want to do something about them, read this book. It's full of frank talk and friendly advice that can help you take the P.U. out of puberty.

Bad hair days? Discover what to do. Breakouts? You can prevent them -- or get help for serious cases. Dragon breath? Open wide for a cleaner, healthier mouth. Grimy hands? Grab a bar of soap and defend yourself against germs and illness. B.O.? Beat it. Funky feet? Try proper care and footwear. And what about "those parts below"? Don't worry; this book has them covered.

As you learn how to care for yourself from head to toe, you'll also read fascinating facts, surprising myths, and quotes from real kids. You'll find out where to go for more information, from books to Web sites. You'll laugh, because some of these topics are actually pretty funny. And you'll see that puberty doesn't have to be such a pain.

FROM THE CRITICS

VOYA - Dotsy Harland

This upbeat and hilarious book overflows with information on head lice, bad breath, pimples, smelly feet, and other "unmentionables." The margins are filled with fun facts and trivia concerning personal hygiene through the ages. For instance, most readers will be surprised to learn that medieval families used old urine to bleach their clothes or that the Crayola crayon called "Flesh" was changed to "Peach" in 1962 to acknowledge at last the fact that people have different skin colors. Crump, a health educator, includes chapters on skin, body odor, hair, and "those parts below." Although she briefly mentions kissing and includes a discussion of what one can expect at puberty, she otherwise stays away from sexual issues and instead delves into such topics as how often hair should be washed, what makes a face greasy, and the origin of warts. The advice here is sensible and matter-of-fact, and the author's main message is to accept one's body as it is, make the best of it, and above all, keep it clean. Young readers will be both fascinated and comforted by the author's candid sense of humor and extensive knowledge of her topic. This book is designed for ages nine to thirteen, and it is appropriate for school and public libraries. Index. Illus. Biblio. Further Reading. VOYA CODES: 5Q 2P M J (Hard to imagine it being any better written; For the YA with a special interest in the subject; Middle School, defined as grades 6 to 8; Junior High, defined as grades 7 to 9). 2002, Free Spirit, 118p,

KLIATT - Sherri Forgash Ginsberg

This is an amusing manual to give to kids between 9 and 14 years old. It gives infallible advice on intimate issues. All the smelly embarrassments that human bodies are prone to, including bad breath, stinky feet, sweaty armpits and all the consequences of puberty, are addressed. The book takes all the questions young teens want answered and humorously gives great advice. Do you have pimples, facial hair, tooth decay, warts, sweaty palms or body odor? Any question you can think of is answered in a matter-of-fact tone. The pages are spiced with tidbits of "myths" and "historical facts." It concludes by promoting a positive attitude about "making the best of what you've got" and "getting to know yourself." The artistic drawings liven up the already vibrant text. This is a wonderful book that should be in all libraries that serve YAs. KLIATT Codes: J*￯﾿ﾽExceptional book, recommended for junior high school students. 2002, Free Spirit, 118p. illus. bibliog. index.,

School Library Journal