Abby's Asthma and the Big Race

Plot Summary

Abby has asthma, but that doesn’t stop her from wanting to run in the big race. Although she is pretty fast, sometimes she may cough or wheeze and have an asthma attack.  Jason, a boy in her class, teases her about her asthma and suggests she enter the pie-eating contest instead.

But Abby is determined not only to run in the race, but to win it as well.  With her doctor's approval and recommendations, she exercises every day with her father, takes her medicine, and does her breathing exercises in anticipation of the big day.  When that day arrives, Abby is ready.  Will she beat Jason to the finish line?  A note about exercising with asthma appears at the end of the book.

Reviews

"This is a purposeful book, but freckle-faced Abby is an appealing heroine whom readers will root for." Booklist

"The soft, colorful illustrations depict Abby’s determination to not only run in the race, but also to win. This book helps explain asthma to children in a nonthreatening, easy-to-understand manner." School Library Journal

"The book encourages those with asthma to not give up on their dreams and proves that anything is possible if you follow the recommended guidelines for dealing successfully with asthma." Children's Literature

"Its lessons about determination and self-confidence are inspiring. Cheerful illustrations show Abby hard at work." The Horn Book Guide

Associated Keywords
asthma, exercise, race, determination