Good Book for 12 Year Old Girl with Body Image Issues?

I don't have a good book, however, there is a song that Steven Curtis Chapman wrote for his daughter about this matter. It's a beautiful song and it lets girls know that they might not look like the picture they see in the magazine but God made them special one of a kind; that when they look in the mirror they can see "God's fingerprint". I just think it's a beautiful song for all girls that age and older, who forget how special they really are, that God took time to create us. The lyrics are below...

Steven Curtis Chapman - Fingerprints of God
From the album Speechless

I can see the tears filling Your eyes
And I know where they're coming from
They're coming from a heart that's broken in two
By what you don't see
The person in the mirror
Doesn't look like the magazine
Oh, but when I look at you it's clear to me that...

I can see the fingerprints of God
When I look at you
I can see the fingerprints of God
And I know it's true
You're a masterpiece
That all creation quietly applauds
And you're covered with the fingerprints of God

Never has there been and never again
Will there be another you
Fashioned by God's hand
And perfectly planned
To be just who you are
And what He's been creating
Since the first beat of your heart
Is a living breathing priceless work of art and...

Just look at you
You're a wonder in the making
Oh, and God's not through, no
In fact, He's just getting started and…

Label: Sparrow Records

Lyrics may not be reproduced without permission from the publisher.

There is an organization here in Dallas, in Medical City I believe that is called "Girls in Motion" and they have awsome resources that promote healthy life styles for girls. They have camps, books, counselors, conferences that deal with all self-esteem issues with girls. I don't have more info other than the name but they should not be hard to find. It will help you as well as her.
You are a great mom for wanting to prevent future problems.
Good Luck!

Some ladies at work have been talking about the American Girl Series of books that address these issues very appropriately. Sounds like one of the books in the series would cover this exact issue.

My 14 yr old likes the Chicken Soup books for teens, girls, etc. The books have letters from teens who have been in situations, feel certain ways, etc. and is helpful for her to read it and know someone her age has been there.

As far as the weight...don't play ino it. My daughter will go through a stage where she thinks she needs to lose 5 lbs, etc. Granted, she is 5'4" and 100 lbs. There is a lot of pressure out there, she is a cheerleader as well and works out ALL the time...rock hard abs)

She will say she needs to lost weight and 1 day she'll eat lightly and the next day she is back to normal. I believe it is phases they go through. Of course, I am on top of things with her and watch her interactions for any negative weight issues. She KNOWS she is not overweight. A lot of times it is an attention getter because we are watching for things like that, especially now, with young girls. I especially have to be careful because I am 5'4" and about 116# and she knows I go above and beyond for my body. I keep in mind that she is watching me and mirroring MY behavior. That keeps me on my toes...

Kudos to you for caring. Good luck.

I bought this book for my 10 year old. I wanted to give her something to answer questions before she started having them and asking her friends. I was raised by my dad, so I didnt ever have any "talks".

I LOVE THIS BOOK! I actually read it before I gave it to her because I wanted to make sure that it was ok. It mixes information in with fun stuff, like pedicure and sleepover glam to do with friends.

It is VERY positive and uplifting, talking about how your body is just perfect and you dont need to worry about being like anyone else. It goes through everything like periods and hair growth, but with just enough information without telling them anything you wouldnt want them to know. No sex talk here.

Anyway, as long as Christianity doesnt offend you, buy this book! The best $10 you will ever spend! :) My daughter got it and read it over a few days, I saw her in her room. She never asked my any questions, but I did ask her if she liked the book and she said she did. And now I know she is prepared for any miscommunication that friends might send her way and hopefully it uplifted her to remind her that God made her perfect, just the way she is! :)

http://www.amazon.com/Christian-Girls-Guide-Change/dp/158...

On another note, I wouldnt feed into her weight-loss, but this is a great time to start teaching her about being healthy while she is wanting to learn. Maybe discussing with her that she most certainly does not need to lose 20lbs, the most important thing in life is not our weight, but to be physically healthy and we obtain that by making better food choices and staying active. If she does those two things, then her body will be healthy and she will be just the perfect weight for her and that maybe right where she is right now! :)

GL!