Parent:Wise Austin - 2009-01

Beyond the Burger: What Are We Doing About Childhood Obesity?

Sat, 11 Apr 2009 20:29:05 +0000

By:

Julia Ramirez

In 1974, I was 10 and like most 10 year olds, I didn’t give any thought to what I ate – namely the caloric or fat content – nor did it ever occur to me how much physical activity I got. My parents didn’t concern themselves with it either, but back then it was a time when daily school lunches were prepared in the cafeteria kitchen and hour-long, required gym class were givens. Ugh, how I loathed the President’s Council on Physical Fitness, which was mandatory. Oh, and when “I’m bored” was uttered it was easily resolved by being told to “go play outside.” Eating fast food? Yeah, right. That just wasn’t an option, especially since my parents had six other children to feed and we couldn’t afford that “luxury.” But when it came to the weight of schoolmates, the heavy ones weren’t obese they were “fat.” And they weren’t bullied, they were teased.
Thirty-four years and a new century later, a lot has changed.

About:

Julia Ramirez is a former editor of Minnesota Parent.

Smart-opedia Junior: An Amazing Book About Everything

Brian J. Stankiewicz — Sun, 26 Apr 2009 00:17:05 +0000

Book Author:

Editors of Maple Tree Press

Reviewer:

Jeanette Larson

Curious kids ages 5 to 8 will literally devour this encyclopedic book. Divided into seven chapters, which are further subdivided to explore more than 70 topics, children will learn about the human body, cities and housing, history, animals and plants, the world, and even the universe.

About:

Books Editor Jeanette Larson teaches children’s literature for the School of Library & Information Studies at Texas Woman’s University.

Graceling

Brian J. Stankiewicz — Sun, 26 Apr 2009 00:01:09 +0000

Book Author:

Kristin Cashore

Reviewer:

Jeanette Larson

Teens and tweens who are going through Harry Potter withdrawal should try this book, the first in a planned series. Gracelings are those who are blessed with extraordinary talents and powers and they are identified by the mismatched color of their eyes. Some powers are rather benign: being able to run faster than anyone else, swim great distances, or read minds.

About:

Books Editor Jeanette Larson teaches children’s literature for the School of Library & Information Studies at Texas Woman’s University.

I Am

Brian J. Stankiewicz — Sat, 11 Apr 2009 23:43:53 +0000

I am funny and crazy
I wonder how everything started
I hear the birds in the trees
I see the trees blowing in the wind
I want to live forever

I am funny and crazy

...My little 2nd grade belly proudly sticking out

Brian J. Stankiewicz — Sat, 11 Apr 2009 23:42:17 +0000

By:

Kim Pleticha

There’s a funny photo of me circa 1975 with my little 2nd grade belly proudly sticking out above my oh-so-stylish orange gauchos. I was a chubby kid, the kind who shopped in the “Pretty Plus” section of our local department store. But thanks to rigorous P.E. classes, downright dull food, and countless days spent riding my bike with friends, I slimmed down by middle school. If I were a kid today, however, I’d probably be obese for life.