The Best Little Girl in the World

"I don't know if reading this book as a teen (in the early 90's) helped me understand myself and the fact that I had/have an eating disorder, or if it possibly reinforced my ED. I still struggle today, as a 30's-something mother and wife, with food in every aspect. Sometimes I think back to reading this book and wonder if I should love it (for letting me know I wasn't alone) or hate it (for letting me know I wasn't alone).

I give this book a 5-star rating because I feel that the issue of ED and young girls is something important to understand and discuss. With the following considerations:

I would suggest not allowing your child to read it without supervision. However, DO read it with your child and give them the opportunity to talk to you openly about their feelings.

This is a good read for parents who have or might suspect they have a child with an ED - it will help you understand what it really does feel like to be 'that kid'.

One more bit of advice: EDs aren't truly about food/body image, they are about the level of CONTROL one can gain over a certain aspect of one's life... especially if they are feeling powerless or inadequate in other aspects."
~ Written on 2008-04-21

"Its good. I dont really care for the way it was written in a little girl's point of view. That, I can't relate to. I think it was a nice story though..."
~ Written on 2007-08-31

"Both my teenage daughter and I read this book. It gave us both a great insight into how one small comment can change a persons perception of their self. The book was a eye-opener for me because I was not aware of the impact comments about a persons body shape can have on them. A persons mind can have a very strong hold over their body and this book goes into detail of this effect. It also shows that these girls are not the only one's to be in this situation and that there is help available, albeit via hospitalisation and counselling. I am amazed that this book was first published so many years ago, when anoxeria nervosa seems to be a relatively recent 'disease'. "
~ Written on 2007-05-12

"
I'm a nineth grader in a small town and am being told to read this book for my English class. My teacher spent valuable budget money on a class set of this junk and I'm severely appalled.

First thing first, this book is hardly appropriate for a guy to read and is not school suitable, either. It also contains a good deal of profain language.

It appears to have the capability of reverse physcology and is definately dangerous. If you're shallow enough to just take it with a grain of salt and only read enough to write the report....it's great, but if you read into it......it's just strange. It almost encourages anorexia nervosa. Definately plenty of stereotyping as well.

Good punctuation, though....kudos to the editor.


Verdict: Not Suitable for Teenage Girls, Guys of any Age, High School Students, and of-their-rocker English teachers.

Anabelle W., Age 15"
~ Written on 2007-02-25

"While this book is entertaining and even "informative", it is dangerous. Over the years I know that much blame has been put on this book and even on the author, however, I think that it is the "informative" nature that makes it so dangerous. I remember reading it for the first time (at age 11) and while I don't remember a clear "wow, anorexia is cool" thought going through my mind - it definitely opened a door. Being a (naturally thin) gymnast and model, I think the book gave me ideas I wouldn't have had yet. Do I blame the book? Not entirely. Would I let my daughter read it? Definitely not. Choosing to starve myself to be thin has had repercussions that will last the rest of my life - I will always regret reading that book and making that choice."
~ Written on 2007-02-14