Allergic

Maggie loves animals. And while her parents are busy getting ready for a new baby, her younger twin brothers only need each other, and her best friend has moved away, all she wants is a pet of her own to feel less lonely. But when she realizes that she’s severely allergic to animals, her new friend tries to help Maggie find a way to outsmart her allergy. But Maggie must eventually learn to accept herself the way she is and live with it. This book is a relatable story about friendship, belonging, and learning to accept ourselves for who we are. It provides factual information about allergies and what it is like to live with a severe allergy. Suitable for a middle-grade classroom, this graphic novel highlights themes of learning to advocate for oneself, dealing with disappointment, and compromising. Teachers may wish to include the novel as a literature circle choice, allowing students to explore themes of anxiety, decision-making, friendship, family, disappointment, and diversity.