The Self-Love Revolution: Radical Beauty Positivity for Girls of Color

In this important guide to self-acceptance written specifically for girls of color, Tovar skillfully blends calls to action, relatable personal anecdotes, and clear explanations of the forces that guide individuals’ understanding of themselves. Via short chapters divided into three sections, Tovar contextualizes how societal conditioning (including diet culture, fatphobia, and institutionalized racism) shapes perceptions of beauty and self-worth, homes in on “common body confusions” (including ideas for handling friends, family, and trolls), and offers suggestions for subverting negative and unhealthy messaging (“Your Body Does Amazing Stuff Every Single Day, Girl”). Using an engaging, conversational tone, Tovar references scientific studies and describes her journey to overcoming fatphobia and self-loathing, ending each chapter with a thoughtful journal prompt that invites readers to connect the information presented with their own experience (“Why do you think diet culture exists? Who benefits from it?”). Tovar’s goal of guiding readers to recognize “the sacred gift in every person,” regardless of shape, ability, gender identity, socioeconomic status, sexuality, or belief system, feels possible with her steady guidance on embracing and appreciating one’s body. Ages 13–up. (May)■