I'm Tougher Than Diabetes! (Concept Books (Albert Whitman)) [Library Binding]

Alden R. Carter (Author), Carol S. Carter (Photographer)

Book Description

Age Level: 7 and up | Grade Level: 2 and up | Series: Concept Books (Albert Whitman)

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 her manage her diabetes, too. With her mom, she plans and makes meals and snacks that keep her blood sugar levels stable. With her dad, she checks over her diabetes kit, and prepares to give herself shots one day by injecting a needle into an orange. Her sister helps too--by staying up with Natalie when her blood sugar is low or taking all her Halloween candy! They also practice what to do if Natalie needs emergency help. 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.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Grade 2-5-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-its symptoms, testing, treatment, diet-and how she and her family manage her condition at home and at school. Color photographs on every page illustrate all aspects of the text-getting shots, preparing meals, practicing for emergencies, school activities, and playing with her sister. The book concludes with 13 frequently asked questions and answers about diabetes. Carol Antoinette Peacock's Sugar Was My Best Food (Albert Whitman, 1998) discusses the subject from an 11-year-old boy's point of view.
Martha Gordon, formerly at South Salem Library, NY
Copyright 2002 Cahners Business Information, Inc.

From Booklist

Gr. 2-4. 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. Helen Rosenberg
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 7 and up
  
• Library Binding: 32 pages
• Publisher: Albert Whitman & Company (October 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0807515728
• ISBN-13: 978-0807515723
• Product Dimensions: 9.3 x 8.3 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 10.1 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,252,960 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Alden Carter's thirty-year career includes publication of novels for young adults and adults, nonfiction books on a wide range of topics, and picture books for and about special needs children. Among numerous awards, his novels have been named six times to the American Library Association's list of Best Books of the Year. His adult novel of the Civil War, Bright Starry Banner, was awarded the prestigious John Esten Cooke Fiction Award. A popular speaker, he has given over 600 presentations in schools and at conferences for writers and educators. A former teacher and naval officer, he lives in Marshfield, Wisconsin, with his wife, Carol. They have two adult children: Brian, an architect, and Siri, a college student.