Title: The Great Shape-Up Author: Eleanor May Illustrator: Barry, Gott Genre: Online Book Theme(s): Exercise, Sports Opening line/sentence: "I'm so out of shape," my big brother Jay moans. "I'll never make first string this fall!" Brief Book Summary: Amelia's brother Jay is a great athlete but is out of shape ever since he broke his ankle. Now that Jay's ankle is better he wants to get back into shape for soccer season. Amelia and Jay try to think of ways to help Jay get back into shape quickly. They discover that the best way to get in shape is through a balanced diet and exercise. Professional Recommendation/Review #1: School Library Journal Gr 1-3 Jay, a star athlete, is unhappy with the "squishy belly" he has developed while recovering from a broken ankle. With the help of his mathlete sister, Amelia, who narrates the story, he tries to get in shape for the upcoming soccer tryouts. At first he tries ineffective fad diets. When a neighbor gives the kids a book entitled Shaping Up for Smarties , Amelia is delighted to discover that "getting in shape is simple-simple math." Employing observation, data collection, and communication skills needed in the scientific method, she becomes Jay's nutritionist and personal trainer and teaches him how to eat right and burn calories by exercising. As she helps her brother practice for his team tryout, Amelia develops soccer skills herself and considers going out for the junior soccer team. Cheerful cartoon illustrations enhance the lessons that readers will learn along with Jay and Amelia. The story is supplemented by factual asides highlighted in colored boxes and an activities page called "Think Like a Scientist." A useful addition for most collections. —Linda L. WalkinsCopyright 2006 Reed Business Information. Professional Recommendation/Review #2: School Library Journal Gr 1-3 Jay, a star athlete, is unhappy with the "squishy belly" he has developed while recovering from a broken ankle. With the help of his mathlete sister, Amelia, who narrates the story, he tries to get in shape for the upcoming soccer tryouts. At first he tries ineffective fad diets. When a neighbor gives the kids a book entitled Shaping Up for Smarties , Amelia is delighted to discover that "getting in shape is simple-simple math." Employing observation, data collection, and communication skills needed in the scientific method, she becomes Jay's nutritionist and personal trainer and teaches him how to eat right and burn calories by exercising. As she helps her brother practice for his team tryout, Amelia develops soccer skills herself and considers going out for the junior soccer team. Cheerful cartoon illustrations enhance the lessons that readers will learn along with Jay and Amelia. The story is supplemented by factual asides highlighted in colored boxes and an activities page called "Think Like a Scientist." A useful addition for most collections. —Linda L. WalkinsCopyright 2006 Reed Business Information. Response to Two Professional Reviews: I totally agree with the reviews. This story not only sends a good message about healthy eating and exercising but will help teach students about ways they can get fit. The illustrations also make the story more interesting and engaging for young readers. Like the two reviews, I think this story is interesting and valuable for school and home libraries. Evaluation of Literary Elements: This book has a moderately simple plot that would be better for upper elementary students. The story includes math and nutrition elements that make the story more complex. The message of exercise and healthy eating habits also fits better into the upper elementary curriculum. Consideration of Instructional Application: This book is perfect for teaching students about healthy lifestyles. This can be used to teach about the importance of healthy eating and exercise. Math can also be incorporated into the lesson because the characters talk about how math is also involved in nutrition. This book can also be read before recess or gym class to encourage the students to go out and exercise during free time.