I'm Tougher Than Diabetes!

Plot Summary

In this first-person narrative, nine-year-old Natalie explains what Type I diabetes is and what she has to do in order to keep herself well. Natalie's family helps, too. With her mom, she plans and makes meals and snacks that keep her blood sugar levels stable. With her dady, she checks over "Philomena," her diabetes kit, and prepares to give herself shots one day by injecting a needle into an orange. Her sister, Kelsey, helps, too—by staying up with Natalie when her blood sugar is low or taking all her Halloween candy! With the support of her family, her doctor, and her dietitian, Natalie is able to manage her diabetes and continue to do all the things she loves.

Reviews

"In this upbeat and informative title, young Natalie describes how she manages her type I diabetes. She speaks straightforwardly in first person about the ups and downs of her daily procedures, demonstrating how she tests her sugar levels explaining about insulin shots, and describing the emergency procedures her family practices. Natalie's family and community are extremely involved in her care. Her mother helps measure food; her classmates cheer when her sugar levels are normal; and her sister recognizes the signs of low and high blood sugar, knowing exactly how to respond. An inspirational tale of a family managing a difficult condition. Large color photos and appended facts and resources supplement the text." Booklist

"Natalie, who appears to be 9 or 10, introduces readers to her diabetes kit that she calls Philomena. Then, in a cheerful, conversational tone, she proceeds to explain the disease--it's symptoms, testing, treatment, diet--and how she and her family manage her condition at home and at school." School Library Journal

Associated Keywords
diabetic, disease, nonfiction, diabetes