Body & Soul: A Girl's Guide to a Fit, Fun, and Fabulous Life

Gr 6 Up—Hamilton, a professional surfer who lost her arm after a shark attack but who returned to the sport to win a National title only a month later, is back with a new book about how to be fit, fun, and fabulous by eating healthy, exercising, and finding your inner self. Right from the start, Hamilton makes her religious background clear, but even though one whole chapter is devoted to faith, the overall focus is on inspiring her audience, not on preaching religious views (she even states, "No matter how much I want others to make improvements to their lifestyles, I can't push them to make a change"). Tween and teen girls will enjoy the writing, which makes readers feel as though they're having a one-on-one conversation with the author. Each chapter has tips and tricks on how to stay on task, as well as a Q&A session with Hamilton. The chapters on exercise and healthy eating are supported by a certified athletic trainer and a nutritionist and are easy to follow, and the step-by-step pictures of each workout make them accessible. The recipe and healthy eating chapters emphasize Hamilton's own food pyramid and her concept of a "clean green" diet, and the advice she gives will apply to most readers. This title will inspire girls to gain self-confidence and make better choices in their own lives.—Joanne Albano, Commack Public Library, NY