Publish Date |
April 19, 2022 |
Category |
Juvenile Fiction / Social Themes / Self-Esteem & Self-Reliance Juvenile Fiction / Health & Daily Living / Diseases, Illnesses & Injuries |
Price |
$23.95 |
Anyone who feeds other people would be well served by this tale.
ISBN: 9780735844858
Format: Hardback
Pages: 40
Publisher: NorthSouth Books
Published: April 19, 2022
Though a medical diagnosis makes social situations tough for a young girl, she finds a way to cope. After Violet learns she has celiac disease, birthday parties and school lunches are a drag. Her peers try to be understanding about how she can’t partake in cakes and cookies, but what they don’t understand is that gluten is everywhere—even the crumbs. “Safe” foods like fruit become off-limits as soon as someone handles them with fingers that previously touched gluten-filled snacks. Her protective measures leave her isolated at school, but Violet gradually becomes a bit of a superhero when she advocates for animals like ducks, who are often fed foods not suited to their digestive systems. But she still has to figure out a way to fit in with her classmates so she can make some friends. The protagonist is White, and the supporting cast is diverse in skin tone and ability. Accompanied by artwork rendered in a muted palette, the text balances Violet’s narrative with more scientific explanation without feeling preachy or didactic. Anyone who feeds other people would be well served by this tale. An illustrated glossary of gluten-full and gluten-free grains makes up the endpapers. Kids with celiac will feel seen.The diverse, expressive kids and the evil little crumbs with sharp, toothy grins will surely keep young readers engaged...this is a brilliant book on a topic every kid should explore to foster understanding and develop good habits around food.Rayner’s instructional picture book informs children about gluten while relating the tale of a girl who has celiac disease. Because any gluten will make Violet ill, even tiny crumbs, she must be vigilant in avoiding it and feels uncomfortable attending events where food is served. She doesn’t want to make a big deal of her disease, but it sets her apart from the other kids, and they don’t understand how serious it is. Violet figures out that by preparing and sharing some foods that taste good and are safe for her to eat, she can educate others about celiac disease and feel more secure in attending parties and other gatherings. Intriguing artwork deftly illustrates Violet's dilemma. The book begins with “Grains That Contain Gluten,” an illustrated list of the grains and some products in which they are included. More information can be found at the conclusion of Violet’s story in an “About Celiac Disease” section and a listing of grains, starches, and flours that are safe for people who share her illness.