The Snack Food Genie tempts Jesse with all that is yummy and oh so craveable, but Jesse begins to make connections between the food the Genie wants him to eat and how that food often makes him feel. As the Genie shows up everywhere and to everyone, Jesse decides to fight back. The author combines years of experience fighting hunger as a food bank CEO with an MFA in writing for young children to craft a story of how children and adults are affected and influenced by the way food is marketed and sold.
Evaluation comments:
“This book is a fun read.”
“Jesse is the main character, and he starts listening to a snack Genie that encourages him to eat a lot of junk food. He does not feel energetic or good afterwards and his family also experiences the sluggish feeling after eating non-nutritional foods. Jesse figures out that this cannot go on as he does not have the energy to do the things he enjoys, such as dancing, so he and his family change their ways and start eating healthier which leads to more energy and being able to be active and feel good.”
“This book teaches a lesson about nutrition and how eating junk food could make you feel bad.”
“I like that at the end of the book, there is a section about eating a rainbow, listening to your body, and drinking lots of water and making meals together with your family. There is a recipe for turkey tacos included.”
“This is a great book for the picky eaters out there.”