Philippa Bodenstein, age 13, reviews
The diary of a teenage health freak (R49.99),
The diary of the other teenage health freak (R49.99),
R U a teenage health freak? (R59.99)
by Aidan Macfarlane and
Ann McPherson.
(Oxford University Press)
The diary of a teenage freak is about a 14-year-old boy named Peter Payne who thinks that he is a hypochondriac. He is going through teenage life with acne, allergies, two sisters and a nosy mother and father. His diary is very witty, and it’s an entertaining way to read about youth issues like depression, stress, exams, drugs and all you need to know about growing up.
The diary of the other teenage health freak is, in fact, the diary of Peter Payne’s sister. Sixteen-year-old Susie Payne is also going through her teenage years. She is learning how to deal with her emotions, dieting, animal rights, boyfriends and divorce. It is humorous, ironic and very entertaining. I was absolutely glued to this book!
R U A Teenage Health Freak is another outstanding book in this series. This time it isn’t in the form of a diary, it is a book filled with a whole lot of questions from teenagers all around the world. Dr Ann answers each of the questions. There is a huge variety of interesting queries. Some of the questions are about headaches, growing up, feeling down, being fat, drugs, parent moans, sex and heartaches. It is a wonderful book for preteens and teenagers. (Adults might even find out a thing or two they didn’t know!)