Fat No More

Gr 9 Up–A timely account of a teen’s success in losing weight and improving his health. Hidalgo-Robert describes in a conversational style how he became so heavy. Nicknamed “El Gorditio” by his family, he traces his weight issues beginning with his early childhood in El Salvador and continuing into his teen years in the United States. Hidalgo-Robert explains how relationships and environmental factors contributed to his emotional state and obesity. At age 14 and weighing 230 pounds, he was diagnosed with pre-diabetes; his doctor regarded the teen’s situation as a medical emergency. He then consented to participate in the Weight Control Program at Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital in Palo Alto, California. With a change in attitude, the help of the program’s staff, new “tools,” and a more supportive family environment, the teen shed pounds and changed his lifestyle. Hidalgo-Robert’s “tools” for building a healthier life can also be useful to readers. In a few spots, the text reads awkwardly, but as a whole, this is an honest, emotional, and realistic personal narrative. Six pages of black-and-white captioned photographs offer a visual record of the teen’s experiences. Two color photos on the cover show a striking difference between the chubby young Alberto and his new teen physique. Healthy recipes adapted or created by the author are included. A good choice for self-help reading or as a discussion book, this is a worthy motivational resource.–Lynn Vanca, Freelance Librarian, Akron, OH