Loving the skin, you’re in: a deconstruction of children’s literature that focus on body (size) issues

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to evaluate children’s literature that focuses on body size issues for elementary readers.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper used an evaluative tool based on three categories: content, audience and other considerations.

Findings

The evaluative tool was used to evaluate six children’s books identified as critical literature supporting body image. The books evaluated focused on body image but were also tied to other themes such as body positivity, body neutrality, self-love, acceptance, diversity and inclusivity. All books acknowledged and celebrated the uniqueness of varied body types.

Research limitations/implications

Because of the number of books evaluated, the evaluative results may lack generalizability. Therefore, researchers are encouraged to evaluate other critical children’s literature focused on body image.

Practical implications

The paper offers recommendations for parents, teachers and schools.

Originality/value

This paper encourages the need for parents, teachers and schools to help children embrace body positivity and neutrality so that they would love their skin.

Citation

Smith, D. (2024), "Loving the skin, you’re in: a deconstruction of children’s literature that focus on body (size) issues", English Teaching: Practice & Critique, Vol. 23 No. 2, pp. 245-260. https://doi.org/10.1108/ETPC-09-2023-0120