Sugar Isn't Everything (Paperback)

by Willo Davis Roberts (Author) "Amy was so engrossed in her book that she didn't hear Jan's approach until her sister called from just outside the bedroom door..." (more)
Key Phrases: diet pop, having diabetes, insulin reaction, Danny Crowell, Life Savers, Aunt Harriet (more...)

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly
With this coping-with-diabetes novel, Roberts sets out mainly to provide information, since she herself is a recently diagnosed diabetic. Still, her fictional format works smoothly. Eleven-year-old Amy wonders what's wrongshe's ravenous, can't get enough juice and has to run to the bathroom often. After she collapses, her disease is diagnosed and she begins the long road toward adjustment. Readers find out that forward-thinking hospitals allow children to visit patients, hold classes and support groups for adolescents and give people the courage to inject themselves. Roberts infuses her characters with believable thoughts and emotions Amy wonders if she'll ever feel normal again and realizes people are glad they don't have her bad luck. A useful book for other chronic illnesses as well, particularly its discussion of anger. Ages 9-up.
Copyright 1987 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From School Library Journal
Grade 5-8 While this reads like a case history or a manual for newly diagnosed diabetics, it also will have appeal for readers of realistic problem novels. Amy, 11, is hiding her diabetic symptoms as the book begins, not knowing what they are. Her overwhelming hunger and thirst, her fatigue, and her frequent need to urinate are masked with the determination that only a budding adolescent who doesn't want to appear ``different'' can muster. Complete collapse ensues, and friends, family, teachers, and Amy herself must make the painful, permanent adjustments to her new condition. It's difficult for all, but more so for Amy because the adjustments are forever. As Amy discovers, diabetes is a lonely disease, for diabetics lookand are well while their systems are in balance, so support, empathy, and sympathy from others can be spasmodic, even when welcome. While the plot follows a predictable line, and most of the characters never truly come to life, the book is empathy-inducing. For young diabetics, it is bibliotherapy. For non-diabetics, it is informative about a silent, potentially life-threatening illness and its treatment. It certainly has a place on the shelfand may circulate a good deal of the time. Patricia Manning, Eastchester Public Library, N.Y.
Copyright 1987 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

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Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 9-12
  
• Paperback: 190 pages
• Publisher: Aladdin; 1 edition (October 31, 1988)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0689712251
• ISBN-13: 978-0689712258
• Product Dimensions: 7.7 x 5.2 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 5.1 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #1,175,251 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars What a great book!, October 16, 2000

By	A. Stafford "Wii addict" (USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I am 21 years old now, and I read this book back in middle school. I still think of it as one of the best, most informative books I have ever read. Although I do not have diabetes, this book helped me to understand so much more about the disease when I was a child, and that information stuck with me. Hey! I liked the book so much I actually came to Amazon.com looking for it...almost 10 years later!

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Sugar Isn't Everything, August 16, 2002

By	Erica Bauer - See all my reviews

This review is from: Sugar Isn't Everything: A Support Book, in Fiction Form, for the Young Diabetic (School & Library Binding)

I myself am a diabetic, I was searching for answers as to why this happened to me. This book helped me understand things happen for a reason and I am not to blame because of my disease. This book was one of my favorites 5 years ago. Now I'm a senior in highschool and I'm going to use it for Speech Team since I can relate.

2 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Gotta Read, July 12, 1999

By A Customer

This book helped me soooo much it taught me how to deal and cope with diabetic people now i know how to tell if someone is a diabetic!!!You should really read this book you won't regret spending your money on this book=:)