Allergic: A Teenage Tale

by C.B. Anthony

Teen phenom Benedick Tapley has the remarkable distinction of being the Most Allergic Kid in the World. Unfortunately, he has to live at home with his protective mother from hell.

Yearning to be free, Ben steals the family car (an ambulance) and heads out cross-country––with his mother in relentless pursuit.

Allergic is a comic tale, Ben’s coming-of-age quest to gain his freedom and to find his true love.

270 pages, Paperback

Published August 2, 2025

About the author

They call me C. B. Anthony. That’s the pen name of the late great Carl A. Battaglia. No, he’s not dead, just late ¬– very, very late ¬¬– in his writing career. Thirty years, to be exact.

Battaglia knows about being allergic. His physician father saved him many times throughout his childhood. His experiences gave him ample material for his second novel, Allergic: A Teenage Tale.

He preceded this with Angel Wings: A Modern Fairy Tale.

Now retired, Battaglia taught college writing, literature, and film for over twenty-five years.

Learn more about him and his work at carlbattaglia.com. Also, while you’re visiting his website, feel free to send inquiries or leave him a message.

Reviews

[ASMendoza5.2018 · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Boy in the Plastic Bubble" meets the '90s Nickelodeon & fun adolescent writers Blume & Stine.
Allergic: A Teenage Tale, by C.B. Anthony, I found to be a great chronological escapade from prior to birth through the first moments of becoming an adult, this, "Most Allergic" protagonist leaves you with laughter, reflection, eyes rolling on the floor and the shaking of the head from various characters from the crazed aristocratic mother who is simply overwhelmed and in hot pursuit to cure and make her only child better while leaving bumbling and quick to just experience life father who happens to be a doctor on the sidelines.
From quirky responses as a growing sarcastic teenager into the crush on his friend/nurse and the total disgust of a classmate, watch out world as this story launches into just about everything imaginable in growing up and not slowing down because of being 'sick.'
- As seen on Amazon Kindle Review by ASMendoza5.2018 - provided by same reviewer.

[Clara]

A light, comedic road-trip story that mixes teenage rebellion, family tension, and a search for love. Ben is easy to root for, and the cross-country chase setup keeps things moving at a fun pace. If you like coming-of-age stories with humor and a bit of chaos, this is an enjoyable pick. Not super heavy, just a fun escape read.

[Dalih Sag · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ce livre est une histoire comique qui suit Benny, un garçon considéré comme l'un des enfants les plus allergiques au monde. Élevé par une mère extrêmement surprotectrice, il mène une vie pleine de restrictions. Mais Benny aspire à la liberté et à une vie normale. Un jour, il prend un pas audacieux et choquant en volant une ambulance pour se libérer. Dans l'ensemble, j'ai apprécié ce livre. J'ai trouvé l'histoire originale, surtout avec le concept d'un garçon qui est allergique à beaucoup de choses. Il crée une prémisse unique et intéressante qui attire immédiatement l'attention. Nous pouvons clairement ressentir l'anxiété et la peur de sa mère, qui fait tout ce qu'elle peut pour le protéger de tout danger possible. Cependant, l'histoire montre également qu'être trop protecteur peut avoir des effets négatifs et peut empêcher une personne de vivre vraiment sa vie. Dans l'ensemble, c'est une histoire intéressante qui fait réfléchir le lecteur sur l'équilibre entre protection et liberté. J'ai également apprécié l'utilisation de la terminologie médicale dans le livre, ce qui ajoute du réalisme à l'histoire. Il est clair que l'auteur a fait des recherches appropriées sur le sujet, ce qui a rendu le récit plus convaincant. En lisant, j'ai été choqué par le nombre de restrictions imposées à un si jeune enfant. Les enfants doivent explorer, essayer de nouvelles choses et faire l'expérience de la vie afin de grandir de manière saine naturellement. Je recommanderais ce livre aux lecteurs qui aiment les histoires originales. Il plaira également à ceux qui aiment les récits axés sur les personnages qui explorent les relations familiales et l'impact de la surprotection sur la vie d'un enfant ainsi qu'aux adolescents et aux jeunes adultes. Dans l'ensemble, j'ai trouvé le livre bon, bien qu'il ne soit pas très engageant. Je évaluerais ce livre 4 étoiles sur 5

[Janet Patrick · Rating 5 out of 5]

Allergic: A Teenage Tale by C.B. Anthony is an absolute triumph. Benedick Tapley is one of the most original and lovable teen protagonists I’ve encountered in years. The premise alone, “the Most Allergic Kid in the World” stealing an ambulance to escape his overbearing mother, is comic gold. But beneath the laugh-out-loud humor lies a genuinely touching story about independence, identity, and first love. Anthony masterfully balances outrageous situations with real emotional depth. I couldn’t put it down.

[Rebecca · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a fun and quirky coming-of-age story with a really unique premise. The idea of the “most allergic kid in the world” trying to break free from an overprotective parent made for a lot of funny moments, but there’s also heart underneath the comedy. C.B. Anthony does a good job showing Ben’s desire for independence while keeping the story light and entertaining. A quick, humorous read with a sweet message about growing up.

[Jessi Adams · Rating 5 out of 5]

Allergic: A Teenage Tale by C.B. Anthony is a quirky and heartfelt coming of age story about Benedick Tapley, the “Most Allergic Kid in the World,” who steals an ambulance to escape his overprotective mother and chase his freedom. Blending humor with emotional depth, the novel promises a fast paced cross country adventure filled with chaos, growth, and young love. Beneath its comedic premise lies a relatable story about independence, identity, and breaking free from limitations.

[Stephen Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

Allergic: A Teenage Tale by C.B. Anthony is a witty, fast-paced coming-of-age story packed with humor and heart. Benedick Tapley, the “Most Allergic Kid in the World” steals an ambulance to escape his overprotective mother, launching a chaotic cross-country adventure.

The premise is delightfully absurd, but beneath the comedy is a relatable story about independence, young love, and growing up. Funny, heartfelt, and easy to read perfect for fans of light, character-driven teen adventures.

[Elizabeth James · Rating 5 out of 5]

This novel is bursting with wit and heart. Benedick’s voice is sharp, self-aware, and utterly relatable, even when his circumstances are hilariously over-the-top. The cross-country chase is packed with clever twists and absurdly funny moments, yet the emotional stakes feel authentic throughout. Allergic: A Teenage Tale captures the chaos of teenage life in a way that feels both exaggerated and deeply true. A standout read that deserves far more attention.

[Margaret Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

From its opening pages, Allergic: A Teenage Tale grabs you and doesn’t let go. The concept is wildly inventive, but it’s the execution that truly shines. The pacing is tight, the dialogue sparkles, and the emotional arc lands beautifully. Benedick’s journey toward freedom and love feels earned and inspiring. This book delivers laughter, adventure, and a powerful reminder that sometimes you have to risk everything to become who you’re meant to be.

[kate · Rating 5 out of 5]

Allergic: A Teenage Tale by C.B. Anthony is a hilarious and heartfelt coming-of-age adventure with a wildly original premise. Benedick Tapley, the “Most Allergic Kid in the World” is desperate for freedom from his overbearing mother, and his cross-country escape (in a stolen ambulance, no less) sets the stage for chaos, comedy, and self discovery.

[Ojobor Glory · Rating 5 out of 5]

Allergic: A Teenage Tale by C.B. Anthony is a quirky, fast-paced coming of age story packed with humor and heart. Benedick’s desperate attempt to escape his overprotective mother complete with a stolen ambulance road trip makes for a wildly entertaining adventure.

[Emily Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

Allergic: A Teenage Tale by C.B. Anthony delivers a fun, offbeat twist on the classic teen escape story. Benedick Tapley’s over the top allergies and even more over the top mother create a perfect setup for chaos when he bolts cross country in search of independence.

[Jessica Silva · Rating 4 out of 5]

Allergic is wildly funny and unexpectedly moving. Benedick’s journey is absurd in the best way, yet deeply human. I laughed a lot, but I also cared about his freedom, his heart, and his need to finally live.

[Jessica john · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story has such a clever hook, and it fully delivers. The allergies add constant tension and humor, while the road trip gives the book energy and heart. Benedick is a fantastic underdog to root for.

[Danielle Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

Funny and Surprisingly Deep What starts as a hilarious road trip quickly turns into a beautiful story about growing up and finding yourself. C.B. Anthony balances comedy and emotion beautifully.

[Annabella Tyler · Rating 5 out of 5]

Allergic: A Teenage Tale by C. B. Anthony is a fun and humorous coming of age story about freedom, self-discovery, and teenage adventure. An entertaining and lighthearted read with plenty of laughs.

[Ishola Abdulbasit · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved how this book balances chaos and tenderness. The chase across the country is hilarious, but beneath it is a genuinely touching coming-of-age story about independence and courage.

[INKBY DANIEL · Rating 5 out of 5]

Quirky, fast-paced, and full of heart. Benedick’s escape feels reckless and brave at the same time, and watching him grow beyond fear made the story incredibly satisfying.

[john joe · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of those books that feels light and fun while quietly saying something meaningful. The humor hooked me, but the emotional payoff is what stayed with me.

[Thamo Frank · Rating 5 out of 5]

Allergic is refreshingly original. The premise alone made me curious, but the characters—especially Benedick kept me invested all the way through.

[Jake Bak · Rating 5 out of 5]

I adored this book’s sense of momentum. From the moment Benedick steals the ambulance, the story never slows down, and every mile brings more growth, laughter, and heart.

[Wait · Rating 5 out of 5]

The mother-son dynamic is both outrageous and painfully real. It adds depth to the comedy and makes Benedick’s quest for freedom feel earned and emotional.

[A. C. Nassi · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story perfectly captures what it feels like to want independence when the world insists you’re too fragile for it. Benedick’s journey is funny, brave, and deeply relatable.

[Louise · Rating 3 out of 5]

Review pending.


I received a free review copy. Thank you to OnlineBookClub and author.

[Mary Martin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I picked up Allergic: A Teenage Tale not knowing what to expect, and it completely blew me away. Benedick Tapley Ben is one of the most hilariously lovable characters I've ever come across. Being dubbed the Most Allergic Kid in the World is already a tough hand to be dealt, but throw in a fiercely overprotective mother and you've got a recipe for both chaos and comedy.
The moment Ben steals the family ambulance and hits the open road, the story takes off at full speed and never slows down. The cross-country chase between him and his relentless mother is absolutely side splitting, yet underneath all the laughs there's a genuinely touching story about a young man desperate to find his identity, his freedom, and his place in the world and yes, his true love too.
C.B. Anthony writes with sharp wit and a natural sense of comic timing that makes every page a pleasure. What surprised me most was how much heart the story carries. By the end, I found myself genuinely moved not just entertained.
If you're looking for a book that makes you laugh out loud while also pulling at your heartstrings, Allergic is exactly that. A fantastic read highly recommended!