Though diagnosed eating disorders may not touch every adolescent, self-image issues most certainly do. Whether they are their own or issues of their friends, most adolescents encounter self-image issues on a day to day basis. Steven Levenkron so perfectly describes the mentality and thought processes of a young girl going through this, that most any teen could find something with which to identify.
Summary of The Best Little Girl in the World
Steven Levenkron has masterfully recreated the mindset of an anorexic adolescent in his book, The Best Little Girl in the World (RL – 7, SL – 9). The story follows Francesca, a young high school girl who just wants to keep everyone happy – her family, her teachers and her ballet teacher. However, as she starts to realize that she cannot control all of them all the time, she starts finding other small ways to control the world around her, eventually leading to her decision to control the food she eats.
Initially it starts with her simply denying food, but soon it moves on to very controlled behaviors in all parts of her life. She started incessantly sorting and hording away food. Finally, she has lost so much weight and has alienated and manipulated so many people trying to help her, the only resort left is for her to be admitted to the hospital. Here she deals with her psychiatrist, Sandy Sherman, and also meets two driving forces in her eventual road to healing, her roommate Lila, who is often the one trying to talk sense into her, and the other anorexic on the floor, Myrna, who Francesca eventually realizes she does not want to turn out like.
Through the help of Sandy, Francesca and her family realize that they all have a lot of work to do in order for Francesca to get better. Francesca has to start trusting people and, most importantly, trusting herself. Her family must realize that simply being happy with how “perfect” she is isn’t enough – they have to tell her and talk to her and deal with her. In the end, Francesca realizes that she doesn’t hate who she really is, and that’s the biggest step of them all.
About the AuthorThough there is little known about the life of Steven Levenkron, most know him by his extensive work in the field of eating disorders. Born in 1941, he is a noted psychologist, in some circles best known for his client, Karen Carpenter. He is also the author of several publications on the topic. He is still practicing in his office in New York
The Best Little Girl in the World Steven Levenkron ISBN: 978-0446358651
Laura L. Johnson - Welcome! I am a secondary English teacher who also does freelance writing on the side. I currently teach at a small private school in the ...
