Even Little Kids Get Diabetes

by Connie White Pirner

Easy language and simple explanations will help even very young children understand what it means to have diabetes. They will find some of their own experiences described and at the same time receive reassurance that they are still "regular kids."

Genres: Picture Books

24 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1990

Reviews

[Becky · Rating 3 out of 5]

My 9-year-old granddaughter has diabetes and I read this book to see if she would like it. It's a little under her level and does not mention insulin pumps, only injections to receive insulin. This book also states that the main character can NEVER eat candy or ice-cream or cake, not even on Halloween or birthdays. However, most diabetic kids can have these kinds of desserts on special occasions, in smaller amounts and with careful monitoring. This book has great illustrations and a good message, good information about the impact of diabetes. I just feel the desserts could have been addressed more accurately and I wish there was mention of an insulin pump which is quite common these days.

[Reanna Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

Grade Level: 1st–4th grade
Genre: Nonfiction
This relatable book that introduces young readers to the experience of living with Type 1 diabetes. Told through the perspective of a young girl with diabetes, the story explains how she manages her condition with daily routines, including blood sugar checks, insulin injections, and a healthy diet. This book is great for anyone with diabetes and that you can always find happiness through anything.

[Leslie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I fear the information in this book is a bit dated.

[Kayley Pate · Rating 3 out of 5]

I didn't like this book very much because it only really a story about a few side effects of having diabetes and didn't go much into what or how you get diabetes. This is a realistic fiction book. Although I didn't really like this book there are not many books on diabetes so it was nice to find one that would help introduce diabetes but would require more information when done reading this book.

[Megan · Rating 1 out of 5]

Horrible book. People with type 1 diabetes CAN eat birthday cake, CAN eat ice cream, CAN eat candy and most definitely CAN participate in Halloween! This book feeds into the lies people believe about type 1 diabetes. Those with type 1 diabetes can eat and do all things that those without t1d can do, they just have to check their blood sugar and take their insulin via injection or insulin pump rather than their pancreas making the insulin.

This book also puts unnecessary fear in the child. Why talk about the parents worrying if the child is going to die from type 1 diabetes? Those with t1d live long, fulfilling lives provided they take proper care of themselves.

If I could give zero stars I would. I do NOT recommend this book be read to kids in a school setting or any other setting. I bought this book but all it is good for is helping start a fire into fire pit this summer, other than that there is no good that could come of this horribly outdated book.

[Andrew]

Even little kids get Diabetes is a fictional biography about a girl who finds out she has diabetes at a young age. While it is an easy read and helps explain what diabetes is and what it is like to have diabetes the information it provides is old. My mother, who is a school nurse, told me that kids with diabetes can do a lot of things that every other student does that just have to make sure that they keep check of their insulin as the go through their day. I would say this book is appropriate in grades first through 4th. But this book should only be used to help kids understand what it is like to have diabetes, the medical information in it should not be used.

[Anna Chaddick]

I really enjoyed this book because it was one that I could relate to. I don't have diabetes, but diabetes does run in my family so it was almost comedic for me to read. It felt so real. I thought the author did a great job of describing this illness using simple and easy to understand words. I also liked how the little girl never had a negative attitude towards having diabetes, and went to explain that she was still a normal kid. Great book to read to children who have diabetes or who are learning about this disease.

[Yesenia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book to read it with young children.This book has a story of a little girl explaining what it means to have diabetes.I recommend this book to first and second grade. It contains an easy explanation for children to understand that children with diabetes are not different they are the same as other children.

[Cyrus · Rating 4 out of 5]

Diabetes is a serious issue and unfortunately some children are prone to the disease. Because there are two types, most children suffer from type 1 but this isn't always the case. Either way, it's a good idea to teach children about the disease and how life doesn't end when diagnosed with it.

[Candice Call · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book to read to your class if one of your students has diabetes so that they can understand why that child may act a certain way or do certain things. Writen so that it is easy for children to understand that children with diabetes are not different, they are the same as other children.

[Natalie]

First to Second Grade Appropriate. Teaches children that just because you have an illness at a young age, does not mean you should stop yourself from doing activities like other children.