Body image resources
beautifully me
Journey along with Zubi as her enthusiasm for her first day of school shifts to sadness as Zubi hears others be so critical of their bodies. First her mom, then her sister, and her dad express their unhappiness with their bodies, and then a peer at school is mocked, and Zubi then internalizes that her body is less than. Ultimately, Zubi’s family comes alongside Zubi and realizes that perhaps they can approach their own bodies in a more gentle, accepting way. In turn, Zubi embraces being her uniquely beautiful self.
I Like Myself
This book embodies self-confidence and self-acceptance. While not every reader may be in such an enthusiastic place of self-acceptance as this narrative communicates, it’s great to read this perspective as it implies that this kind of self-confidence is possible. This book highlights accepting one’s physical appearance, yet also liking the inside too. This book emphasizes that the outside appearance, whatever it might be, is not really what defines a person.
I am Enough
This book emphasizes the core message that each of us is enough by elevating the presence and purpose of each human being. It also highlights the uniqueness of each individual. Despite unique differences, all people share intrinsic worthiness— just as they are.
Stand Straight Ella Kate
This is based on a true story of an extremely tall girl in Missouri. Her height and size provoked teasing and mocking by people at times, yet her unique height also led to opportunities for financial gain and travel. By embracing her uniqueness, she claimed and lived these opportunities. The story emphasizes that her parents always encouraged her to “stand straight,” and it reminds readers of the invitation to move out of living with shame and holding our heads up high.
brontorina
Brontorina is a large dinosaur who dreams of being a ballerina. While this is an “out of the box” kind of dream that does not make sense, sometimes dreams can be realized when we get a bigger box, so to speak. By finding a wide open space for dancing instead of the too small studio, Brontorina’s dream is realized. This book is a reminder to dream big, no matter our shape or size or anything else really that might feel like a limitation.
Marisol McDonald Doesn’t Match
This story is about a girl who lives most naturally in a place of things not matching or fitting inside the framework of what you’d expect. From her appearance to her fashion style to her play, she is a surprise to those around her with her flair for creativity and colorful expression. Marisol tries to match by toning herself down, but ultimately realizes that beauty is in fully being herself. As a bonus this book has Spanish translation throughout it.
sulwe
This story is about a girl who tries desperately to lighten her skin color to no avail. Her mother learns of her anguish and speaks truth to her, emphasizing that real beauty comes from inside and how what matters most is that she see herself as beautiful and worthy instead of focusing on how others see her. The book then takes a twist towards the story of two sisters, Day and Night, and the movement ultimately of Night recognizing her value and beauty. This book is about both body image and diversity. More diversity recommendations can be found here.
DISCLAIMER: Elizabeth is a member of Amazon Affiliates. If you choose to buy a product from any of these links, Burton Counseling will receive a small portion of the proceeds. You may choose instead to support your local bookstore and buy directly from them. These are book recommendations with therapeutic and character education themes that may or may not be helpful. This is not therapy itself.
Elizabeth B. Burton is a licensed professional counselor and life coach with Burton Counseling, PLLC. Elizabeth lives just outside of Chattanooga, TN., and you can learn about Elizabeth here. You can learn more about working directly with Elizabeth here. Elizabeth also provides support to individuals and groups through an online course on Coping with Anxiety & Stress and through providing workshops. Elizabeth communicates about mental health and well-being through both the Narrating Hope newsletter and podcast as well as through her writing. Elizabeth would love to connect with you and welcomes you to sign up for the newsletter, listen in to the podcast, reach out about working together, and connect on social media.