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Allergic
A coming-of-age middle-grade graphic novel featuring a girl with severe allergies who just wants to find the perfect pet!
At home, Maggie is the odd one out. Her parents are preoccupied with getting ready for a new baby, and her younger brothers are twins and always in their own world. Maggie loves animals and thinks a new puppy to call her own is the answer, but when she goes to select one on her birthday, she breaks out in hives and rashes. She's severely allergic to anything with fur!
Can Maggie outsmart her allergies and find the perfect pet? With illustrations by Michelle Mee Nutter, Megan Wagner Lloyd uses inspiration from her own experiences with allergies to tell a heartfelt story of family, friendship, and finding a place to belong.
At home, Maggie is the odd one out. Her parents are preoccupied with getting ready for a new baby, and her younger brothers are twins and always in their own world. Maggie loves animals and thinks a new puppy to call her own is the answer, but when she goes to select one on her birthday, she breaks out in hives and rashes. She's severely allergic to anything with fur!
Can Maggie outsmart her allergies and find the perfect pet? With illustrations by Michelle Mee Nutter, Megan Wagner Lloyd uses inspiration from her own experiences with allergies to tell a heartfelt story of family, friendship, and finding a place to belong.
240 pages, Hardcover
First published March 2, 2021
815 people are currently reading
5931 people want to read
About the author
Megan Wagner Lloyd
15 books218 followersMegan Wagner Lloyd is the writer of the kids' graphic novels ALLERGIC and SQUISHED, co-created with illustrator Michelle Mee Nutter, and the SUPER PANCAKE series, co-created with illustrator Abhi Alwar. She's also the author of HAVEN: A SMALL CAT'S BIG ADVENTURE, and several picture books. She lives with her family in the Washington DC area.
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Find her on Instagram: @meganwagnerlloyd
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,223 reviews
July 8, 2022
In Allergic, Maggie has a lot going on. Her family is expecting a new baby, and she is starting at a new school. On top of everything, she has just discovered she has some severe allergies.
I'm glad that this book exists for kids out there who are dealing with allergies, but this book is so much more. It focuses on the broader theme of big changes in life and how to deal with them.
I especially liked the mention of yoga and breathing techniques to help deal with big feelings.
Both my kids enjoyed this one as well. It's a fun read for the middle grade graphic novel readers out there.
I'm glad that this book exists for kids out there who are dealing with allergies, but this book is so much more. It focuses on the broader theme of big changes in life and how to deal with them.
I especially liked the mention of yoga and breathing techniques to help deal with big feelings.
Both my kids enjoyed this one as well. It's a fun read for the middle grade graphic novel readers out there.
December 31, 2021
This is a book that my niece insisted I read. I believe she got it as a Christmas gift and she told me it was very good. She has asked if I read it daily since she finished it. So, I read it today.
My niece has good taste. This is a great little story about a girl who absolutely loves animals. The twist is that she finds out she is severely allergic to any animal with feathers and fur and she is heartbroken.
There is a lot going on in the book. Maggie is going to a new school and she has to make new friends and leave her old ones behind. Also, her mom is pregnant with a 4th sibling for her and she is overwhelmed by all the changes and what she can't have. She makes a new friend in a next door neighbor, but she seems to get everything she wants. This is about managing your emotions and learning to appreciate the things we have.
Maggie has some big fights with several people in this story. I know this is for kids, but reading it, I find it brings up feelings in me. I avoid conflict and I do not like disagreements, much less fights with people. It's interesting to see such a simply example of how this all works.
They deal with different kinds of allergies and people who have them. I think it's a great middle grade graphic novel for kids and a fun read. I feel for people allergic to animals or eggs. As a kid, they just put me down for 'allergic to everything' on my chart and told me not to change much about my life besides hypoallergenic pillows. Still, it never stopped me like this girl was stopped. I spent over 5 years getting weekly shots and they helped. Now, I rarely have allergies that do much.
Anyway, this brought up some good issues and I'm glad Niece had me read it.
My niece has good taste. This is a great little story about a girl who absolutely loves animals. The twist is that she finds out she is severely allergic to any animal with feathers and fur and she is heartbroken.
There is a lot going on in the book. Maggie is going to a new school and she has to make new friends and leave her old ones behind. Also, her mom is pregnant with a 4th sibling for her and she is overwhelmed by all the changes and what she can't have. She makes a new friend in a next door neighbor, but she seems to get everything she wants. This is about managing your emotions and learning to appreciate the things we have.
Maggie has some big fights with several people in this story. I know this is for kids, but reading it, I find it brings up feelings in me. I avoid conflict and I do not like disagreements, much less fights with people. It's interesting to see such a simply example of how this all works.
They deal with different kinds of allergies and people who have them. I think it's a great middle grade graphic novel for kids and a fun read. I feel for people allergic to animals or eggs. As a kid, they just put me down for 'allergic to everything' on my chart and told me not to change much about my life besides hypoallergenic pillows. Still, it never stopped me like this girl was stopped. I spent over 5 years getting weekly shots and they helped. Now, I rarely have allergies that do much.
Anyway, this brought up some good issues and I'm glad Niece had me read it.
Read
March 27, 2024This is more than just a story of a 5th grader who finds our she is allergic to all animals with feathers or fur; themes of friendship, family dynamics, and change are carried throughout this full-color graphic novel. The characters are well developed and as a reader you get even more a sense of everyone's personality through the graphics. Great graphic novel for upper-elementary readers. ~Diana F.
December 5, 2021
✨ "How could something that made me so happy make me so sick? It just wasn't right."
An enjoyable graphic novel about a girl who wants a furry friend to love her (because her twin brothers have each other and her parents are busy with their unborn baby) but is unfortunately allergic. I thought it was a rather heartwarming story about family and friendship.
However, I am quite uncomfortable with some of the irresponsible messages this book seems to be sending about pet care and ownership.
❌ The protagonist gets pets on a whim without prior research and her family seems to encourage this by letting her do as she pleases. After she is unable to get a dog due to her allergy (thank goodness her family is shown visiting an animal rescue and not a pet store), she goes on to get:
1. A fish, which dies
2. A lizard, that ends up being her brothers'
3. A hermit crab, which she does not like because it's not furry and doesn't 'move'
When the protagonist says she is going to get a tortoise, her mother replies, 'I love your enthusiasm, but we can't commit to caring for a pet for long.' Say what?! So a dog is somehow not a lifelong commitment? What about her unborn child?
❌ I am against the idea of class pets, particularly in a class of young children. Spots the guinea pig was shown as a lone animal in a small bar cage. Anyone with basic knowledge of guinea pigs would know that they are social creatures who must be housed in pairs or more. It is also irresponsible of the teacher to simply get a class pet without knowing the one of his students are allergic.
❌ Likewise, mice are highly social creatures that should be housed together. Females in particular are known to be become lonely and depressed if housed alone. The protagonist's mouse is not only female but pregnant without her knowledge.
❌ I am on the fence about buying animals from pet stores but in this instance, the pet store sells a pregnant mouse to a young child without any parental consent. The mouse ends up giving birth to 11 pups, and all 12 creatures are returned to the pet store after the protagonist's parents find out. All parties involved (parents included) are equally irresponsible but nothing was ever mentioned about the mice again. Way to reinforce the impression that pets are mere commodities that can be returned at your whim instead of a lifelong commitment that require time and money.
Please do proper research before writing about animals. Authors have a part in educating readers especially if your book is going to be published and distributed to thousands of readers across the globe.
An enjoyable graphic novel about a girl who wants a furry friend to love her (because her twin brothers have each other and her parents are busy with their unborn baby) but is unfortunately allergic. I thought it was a rather heartwarming story about family and friendship.
However, I am quite uncomfortable with some of the irresponsible messages this book seems to be sending about pet care and ownership.
❌ The protagonist gets pets on a whim without prior research and her family seems to encourage this by letting her do as she pleases. After she is unable to get a dog due to her allergy (thank goodness her family is shown visiting an animal rescue and not a pet store), she goes on to get:
1. A fish, which dies
2. A lizard, that ends up being her brothers'
3. A hermit crab, which she does not like because it's not furry and doesn't 'move'
When the protagonist says she is going to get a tortoise, her mother replies, 'I love your enthusiasm, but we can't commit to caring for a pet for long.' Say what?! So a dog is somehow not a lifelong commitment? What about her unborn child?
❌ I am against the idea of class pets, particularly in a class of young children. Spots the guinea pig was shown as a lone animal in a small bar cage. Anyone with basic knowledge of guinea pigs would know that they are social creatures who must be housed in pairs or more. It is also irresponsible of the teacher to simply get a class pet without knowing the one of his students are allergic.
❌ Likewise, mice are highly social creatures that should be housed together. Females in particular are known to be become lonely and depressed if housed alone. The protagonist's mouse is not only female but pregnant without her knowledge.
❌ I am on the fence about buying animals from pet stores but in this instance, the pet store sells a pregnant mouse to a young child without any parental consent. The mouse ends up giving birth to 11 pups, and all 12 creatures are returned to the pet store after the protagonist's parents find out. All parties involved (parents included) are equally irresponsible but nothing was ever mentioned about the mice again. Way to reinforce the impression that pets are mere commodities that can be returned at your whim instead of a lifelong commitment that require time and money.
Please do proper research before writing about animals. Authors have a part in educating readers especially if your book is going to be published and distributed to thousands of readers across the globe.
January 4, 2021
Kids are going to love this graphic novel.
June 10, 2021
There are pets all around the neighborhood, but none at Maggie's house. Before her new baby brother or sister comes, she hopes to have a dog of her own. They go to pick out a puppy and discover that Maggie is allergic to anything with fur or feathers. Maybe there is a pet that doesn't have fur or feathers for Maggie? She makes a list with nine possibilities, but none are right for her. Now what? Kids with allergies, even food-related, will appreciate Maggie's story. Kids who don't have allergies will learn empathy for those who do. I loved the little details in this colorful graphic novel like the different yoga poses we see Maggie's mom doing and the calendar for counting down days to baby mouse separation. Hand this one to fans of Raina Telgemeier and Terri Libenson.
November 13, 2021
Check out my full review here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OZzNj...
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August 7, 2023
This graphic novel has been checking out like hotcakes at my library, and I can see why!
The illustrations are cute, the storyline (about a girl facing lots of changes—new school, friends, new baby) is very relatable. Animal-obsessed Maggie has always wanted a dog, but when she goes to the shelter she's discovers she's very allergic to all animals with feathers and fur. Oh no!
There's more to the story than that, although I was kinda disappointed that in the end Maggie channeled her need to care for something into caring for her younger sister (she struggles with jealously over not being the center of someone's attention in her family, and having something that loves only her). I'm glad that it emphasized her relationships with her family and her love of family, but it just felt...weird? Especially when the younger brothers weren't shuttled to care for the new baby as much? I'm probably reading too much into this, but it brought up some feelings I had about my own family and how my brother and I were treated regarding caring for our youngest siblings.
I did like that Maggie found another animal type that worked out really well for her, and a way to feel herself.
And I loved how Maggie and her new bff Claire's relationship fluctuated and adapted.
The illustrations are cute, the storyline (about a girl facing lots of changes—new school, friends, new baby) is very relatable. Animal-obsessed Maggie has always wanted a dog, but when she goes to the shelter she's discovers she's very allergic to all animals with feathers and fur. Oh no!
There's more to the story than that, although I was kinda disappointed that in the end Maggie channeled her need to care for something into caring for her younger sister (she struggles with jealously over not being the center of someone's attention in her family, and having something that loves only her). I'm glad that it emphasized her relationships with her family and her love of family, but it just felt...weird? Especially when the younger brothers weren't shuttled to care for the new baby as much? I'm probably reading too much into this, but it brought up some feelings I had about my own family and how my brother and I were treated regarding caring for our youngest siblings.
I did like that Maggie found another animal type that worked out really well for her, and a way to feel herself.
And I loved how Maggie and her new bff Claire's relationship fluctuated and adapted.
March 7, 2021
Already suffering anxiety about her mother's pregnancy, the feeling of being left out by the strong bond between her twin brothers, and the first day at a new school where she has no friends, 10-year-old Maggie Wilson is wrecked when she finds out how the universe just keeps piling it on: her big plan for a birthday puppy is a big no-go when she finds out she is extremely allergic to animal dander.
Lots of good information about allergies and how they can affect one's life is worked into the story in an entertaining manner. Maggie shows lots of personality and kept me engaged with the story even when the pacing got a little slow and the ending sort of petered out.
Side note: I was surprised at how distracting I found the variable size of the lettering. It grew or shrunk to fit the space assigned to it, sometimes giving us balloons on the same page with very large and very small text, something I would normally associate with trying to give different emotional values to the words, but here just meaning there was more free space available in the art, because the panels also varied randomly from very small to very large from page to page.
Lots of good information about allergies and how they can affect one's life is worked into the story in an entertaining manner. Maggie shows lots of personality and kept me engaged with the story even when the pacing got a little slow and the ending sort of petered out.
Side note: I was surprised at how distracting I found the variable size of the lettering. It grew or shrunk to fit the space assigned to it, sometimes giving us balloons on the same page with very large and very small text, something I would normally associate with trying to give different emotional values to the words, but here just meaning there was more free space available in the art, because the panels also varied randomly from very small to very large from page to page.
April 30, 2021
Maggie feels that everyone in her family is too busy to pay any attention to her since her family is expecting a new baby and her twin brothers only seem to communicate with themselves. She decides that the family needs a dog which Maggie has planned to take sole custody of once she can get one on her birthday. The big day arrives and Maggie finds the perfect dog but she ends up in hives and her eyes swollen shut. After a visit to the doctor, anything with fur or feathers is ruled out as a pet.
With this huge disappointment, Maggie is determined to find a pet that she can have. This girl is resilient beyond her years and helps teach others how to act responsibly and work to find a solution to her problem. The graphics perfectly illustrate Maggie's frustration and how she works through it to find something that will work for her I think this story will be a wonderful teaching moment on how to deal with disappointment.
With this huge disappointment, Maggie is determined to find a pet that she can have. This girl is resilient beyond her years and helps teach others how to act responsibly and work to find a solution to her problem. The graphics perfectly illustrate Maggie's frustration and how she works through it to find something that will work for her I think this story will be a wonderful teaching moment on how to deal with disappointment.
December 13, 2021
What a great book to read about allergies. It explains it so well. I’m honestly very impressed. It was explained by the doctors and nurses and it took it all the way from allergy to testing to medicine. It was so good.
This story follows Maggie. Maggie has always wanted a furry pet and on her 10th birthday and best day of her life tragedy strikes. She’s allergic. Not just a little. Full blown, full body, eyes closing allergic. So what does she do, what any kid would do. Tries and tries again to find the perfect pet. But it doesn’t quite work out and I loved all of that. What I didn’t appreciate was the emotional warfare she had with her “best” friend when she got upset at her. She’d lash out so much and make her friend cry. It was so upsetting. And her poor friend would take it every time. If I read it to my students I’ll definitely talk to them about using kind words and how actions have consequences. If you continue to be mean to a friend don’t be surprised when they don’t want to be your friend anymore.
It was still super cute. I really enjoyed her family and how her parents even with the baby coming were very aware of her anxiety. They kept working on breathing techniques. Honestly, it’s a very good book. Even with the whole emotional lashing out. I get it. And it’s the perfect platform to talk about why that’s not okay.
This story follows Maggie. Maggie has always wanted a furry pet and on her 10th birthday and best day of her life tragedy strikes. She’s allergic. Not just a little. Full blown, full body, eyes closing allergic. So what does she do, what any kid would do. Tries and tries again to find the perfect pet. But it doesn’t quite work out and I loved all of that. What I didn’t appreciate was the emotional warfare she had with her “best” friend when she got upset at her. She’d lash out so much and make her friend cry. It was so upsetting. And her poor friend would take it every time. If I read it to my students I’ll definitely talk to them about using kind words and how actions have consequences. If you continue to be mean to a friend don’t be surprised when they don’t want to be your friend anymore.
It was still super cute. I really enjoyed her family and how her parents even with the baby coming were very aware of her anxiety. They kept working on breathing techniques. Honestly, it’s a very good book. Even with the whole emotional lashing out. I get it. And it’s the perfect platform to talk about why that’s not okay.
August 20, 2022
I bought this kind of randomly because it was on sale, but I absolutely adored this. It's middlegrade at its best: emotionally hard-hitting and so heartwarming.
May 4, 2021
Allergic is a sweet, realistic depiction of what it’s like to suffer from allergies. This graphic novel features stunning illustrations, a lovable protagonist, and a rambunctious family. Among other things, readers will feel Maggie’s strong love for animals, the complex emotions of nurturing a friendship despite differences, and the struggle to find one’s place at home as a tween. I loved this one and would definitely recommend it.
Read my full review on my blog.
Many thanks to Scholastic for a free copy of this graphic novel.
Read my full review on my blog.
Many thanks to Scholastic for a free copy of this graphic novel.
January 11, 2021
Originally published on The Nerd Daily | Review by Mimi Koehler
Beautiful illustrations and a coming-of-age story that aptly elicits the fears of growing up band together can be found in Megan Wagner Lloyd and Michelle Mee Nutter’s graphic novel, Allergic. We follow Maggie, a young girl who wants nothing more than a dog for a pet, only to learn – on her birthday, no less – that she’s highly allergic to dog hair…and pretty much every other type of fur. Understandingly crushed, she is still determined to find a pet that she won’t be allergic to and thus, Maggie goes on the search of finding her perfect companion, with loads of mishaps and some unexpected obstacles thrown into the mix.
Read the FULL REVIEW on The Nerd Daily
Beautiful illustrations and a coming-of-age story that aptly elicits the fears of growing up band together can be found in Megan Wagner Lloyd and Michelle Mee Nutter’s graphic novel, Allergic. We follow Maggie, a young girl who wants nothing more than a dog for a pet, only to learn – on her birthday, no less – that she’s highly allergic to dog hair…and pretty much every other type of fur. Understandingly crushed, she is still determined to find a pet that she won’t be allergic to and thus, Maggie goes on the search of finding her perfect companion, with loads of mishaps and some unexpected obstacles thrown into the mix.
Read the FULL REVIEW on The Nerd Daily
March 21, 2023
Very glad I'm not allergic to animals.:( Felt bad for her.
This was interesting enough to finish but was just okay for me.. I could see some kids liking it though.
Liked the friendship between Maggie and Claire.
Happy that there's a book that'll help teach about animal allergies.
Fyi: sometimes the text made it a bit hard to follow the story and had me reading a panel again, stuff was too close together at times.
February 10, 2021
Cannot WAIT to sell this adorable graphic novel
Read
June 17, 2021There are pets all around the neighborhood, but none at Maggie's house. Before her new baby brother or sister comes, she hopes to have a dog of her own. They go to pick out a puppy and discover that Maggie is allergic to anything with fur or feathers. Maybe there is a pet that doesn't have fur or feathers for Maggie? She makes a list with nine possibilities, but none are right for her. Now what? Kids with allergies, even food-related, will appreciate Maggie's story. Kids who don't have allergies will learn empathy for those who do. I loved the little details in this colorful graphic novel like the different yoga poses we see Maggie's mom doing and the calendar for counting down days to baby mouse separation. Hand this one to fans of Raina Telgemeier and Terri Libenson. *Review by Darla from Red Bridge*
December 24, 2020
ARC courtesy of Edelweiss.
A really sweet graphic novel about Maggie, a young girl who is facing multiple changes all at once. As a kid who had allergies, I wish I had a book like this to help me better understand and explain why I should keep up with my shots. The interweaving of the changes works really nicely - even though Maggie's allergies are the main plot point, others are explored and given space too. This also is a recommended read for kids dealing with a new sibling on the way - another reason I wish this had been there when I was going through the same thing at that age! The art is colorful and realistic, really helping advance the plot along.
A really sweet graphic novel about Maggie, a young girl who is facing multiple changes all at once. As a kid who had allergies, I wish I had a book like this to help me better understand and explain why I should keep up with my shots. The interweaving of the changes works really nicely - even though Maggie's allergies are the main plot point, others are explored and given space too. This also is a recommended read for kids dealing with a new sibling on the way - another reason I wish this had been there when I was going through the same thing at that age! The art is colorful and realistic, really helping advance the plot along.
April 11, 2023
Muito fofinho!! Adorei a arte e a sensibilidade da historia toda
July 28, 2025
çok çok keyifli bir çocuk kitabıydi. hem empati olmayı hem dostluğu hem de aile olmayı çok güzel anlatıyordu.
March 29, 2022
Poor Maggie, so incredibly desperate for a puppy, but when finally allowed to get one, she is severely allergic to it. She is taken for allergy testing and it turns out she is all horribly allergic to anything with feathers or fur. She is so sad. She feels so alone, a new baby is about to join their family, so her parents are occupied with that big family event, and her younger brothers are twins and spend all the time together. She's changed schools and left all her old friends behind. A puppy, or any furry pet would have been great company for her. Luckily there is a new friend just waiting to be discovered, someone she can be with, who shares her interests and who is great fun. But then her friend gets a puppy! Oh no!
Loved this incredibly cute graphic novel for middle school students. It'll warm your heart, tweek at your heartstrings and appeal to all the millions of Raina Telgemeier fans.
Loved this incredibly cute graphic novel for middle school students. It'll warm your heart, tweek at your heartstrings and appeal to all the millions of Raina Telgemeier fans.
May 28, 2021
A sweet, sweet graphic novel about a girl who REALLY wants a dog. Her parents are preoccupied with a baby-on-the-way, and her twin brothers have each other. The dog she is about o get for her tenth birthday will be just hers and will love her the most. On her birthday, the whole family goes to the dog shelter where she finds the perfect puppy but then breaks out in rashes and hives. She ends up being severely allergic to anything with fur...
A great story about allergies, starting a new school, baby on the way, friendship, pets, family dynamic and so much more. Great story, great illustrations, great characters, great message. A great book to read and have in libraries.
A great story about allergies, starting a new school, baby on the way, friendship, pets, family dynamic and so much more. Great story, great illustrations, great characters, great message. A great book to read and have in libraries.
August 9, 2021
An absolutely perfect middle grade graphic novel about allergies, but also about going to a new school and getting a new baby sibling. This is going to be a hit in my elementary school and will resonate with so many kids. It will also be a great educational tool for helping kids understand why they or their friends have allergies, and the types of treatments available and precautions that must be taken. The MC (Maggie) is 10 years old and in 5th grade.
September 30, 2025
I’ll admit, I was very apprehensive about reading this one. As someone who is very close to an individual with severe allergies, seeing the front cover of the book with a girl covered in rashes holding a dog didn’t appeal to me. However, after seeing many positive reviews, and after reading a book by the same author and illustrator duo, ‘Squished’, I decided that maybe I should give this one a try. And, in the end, I’m glad I did.
I love animals. A lot. So I can understand how 10-year old Maggie feels, awakening on her birthday, about to go out and get a puppy. Maggie narrates that she knew this was going to be the best day of her entire life. She’s never had a pet… and can’t wait to get one! She wants to rush through her birthday pancakes, and tries to get her pregnant mother to hurry up with her yoga, so they can go out to pick out a puppy! Her wish does soon come true, and the family pulls up to an animal rescue center. Maggie’s mother reminds her that they might not have any puppies, and might have to come back another time….
But they do have puppies… and Maggie finds the perfect one!
She’s so excited to take it home, play with it, and give it a name….. but as she’s daydreaming, she begins to feel strange… and sick. What’s happening?! Her twin brothers are shocked, saying she looks like she got punched in the face, and her parents rush her to see a doctor….
And Maggie feels heartbroken as can be.
But in denial, she tries to pretend she isn’t allergic to the dog. Maybe she just got sick suddenly, or is allergic to something else- it could be anything! Her parents still have her go to an allergist, of course, wanting to see what she really is allergic to. Maggie is scared of the testing, thinking it will be like getting tons of shots, but she says it feels more like a tiny poke, once it is over and done with. While they are waiting too see if she has any reactions, her mother offers to read to her- but Maggie is too busy focusing her energy on not having an allergic reaction. I’m sure this part is really relatable, trying to have control over something you can’t change. Despite her efforts, they are in vain, and Maggie learns she is allergic to anything with fur or feathers, so that of course includes dogs. The doctor explains how allergies work, which could be very helpful for any kid who isn’t informed yet about them. Maggie is crushed going home, seeing someone walking a dog out the car window. In her bedroom, she rips down a dog poster, and starts throwing various animal toys and items on the floor… until she catches sight of a book with a turtle on it. Wait….
There’s got to be plenty of pets left she can still have!
( do wonder how come she didn’t already know she was allergic to animals. I guess she was just never really around any? Or did she develop the allergies recently? It just seems like if it was this severe, I doubt it would take that long for her to discover the allergy. )
So, on her pet quest, Maggie begins with a fish! However, she isn’t able to make herself fully fall in love with it….
And it dies quickly.
So then she tries a lizard, but it falls right in love with her twin brothers, and she gives it to them.
She doesn’t want a snake because of feeding, and you aren’t supposed to handle frogs or toads, turtles hibernate, and tortoises live too long. She gets a hermit crab, but it doesn’t seem to move… and hedgehogs are illegal pets where she lives?! That just leaves a tarantula… but why did she put that on the list anyway?! She doesn’t want a pet spider!
I do really question this part of the book, though. Why does Maggie give up on the lizard, just because her brothers like it? Can’t she try another one? Also, why and how can her parents afford this many new pets and cages, while they are also preparing for a baby? It seemed a little over the top… but whatever.
Time still goes on, and soon, Maggie has to go to school. She’s dreading it, because even though her family didn’t move, the school boundaries changed, so she has to go to a new one now, without any of her old friends. She’s sure this is going to be the worst day of her life…
Her dad walks with her to the bus stop, but after that, Maggie is on her own. She feels tiny, and awkward, but tries her best to keep going, and makes it to her class. In the classroom, there is a strange box, with a red cloth covering it. When her teacher arrives, he reveals that it’s their new class pet…
A guinea pig named Spots!
Everyone is oooh-ing and ahhh-ing other the animal, while Maggie begins to sneeze. She tries to insist everything is fine, but it isn’t…
And she ends up in the nurses office, with the having to be transferred to a new class. She scared everyone on class will be mad at her… and she does get plenty of glares.
So, based on other reviews and online research, there is some problems with this. 1. The cage is too small for a guinea pig and 2. You really shouldn’t have only one guinea pig, they like company. Sure, people make mistakes sometimes, and not everyone will take care of animals in perfectly ideal conditions. But for the book, you’d think they’d do research? Also, I feel very bad for Maggie. I bet many classmates would be upset with her… even though it’s not her fault at all.
But her world gets a little brighter for her new neighbor, Claire, invites her over! Claire is a year older, and in 6th grade… but they still go to the same school! Claire says that today was her first day at school, but she missed the real first day… which really confused me? The thing is, Maggie keeps stating that THIS DAY, TODAY was the first day of school. So…. Huh? Anyway, Maggie and Claire bond quickly, and have lots of fun together. Maggie enjoys the peace and quiet of her friend’s house, as Claire only has her dad here, and no siblings, due to her parents being divorced. Maggie is a bit jealous, too, because Claire’s dad lets her do just about anything she wants. Maggie can’t get her parents to do anything anymore…they’re too busy getting ready for the baby! She wants to redecorate her room, but doesn’t really know what to do. She used to love having furry animals all over it…
But that doesn’t feel right anymore.
The two girls continue playing and having fun, and Maggie ends up saving up to buy a ‘best friend’ necklace for them to share. Just as she is about to give it to Claire, however, she hears her friend’s voice calling her out the window. Claire wants to show Maggie…
HER NEW PUPPY?!
Maggie is crushed once again, and of course, jealous of the black lab puppy. (At least, that’s what the dog looks to be.) Claire knew she was allergic to dogs, and Maggie doesn’t know how she could betray her like this. So…
Maggie starts avoiding her.
Suddenly, she’s too busy with homework, feels sick, or is sleeping whenever Claire tries to hang out. She’s also upset with her brothers, who play with the neighbors’s puppy, and complain that it’s Maggie’s fault they can’t get a puppy of their own. On the bus to school, Maggie avoids Claire like the plague…. And it works! But…
It still feels lonely.
Her dad comes to school to pick her up early for her allergy shots, and Maggie accidentally ignores a boy’s wave in the hall. There’s just so much on her mind… her dad calls her ‘his favorite daughter’, but when she sees the car seat, something hits her.
If the baby is a girl, he won’t say that anymore, will he?
Feeling down, Maggie gets the shots, and goes out to get ice cream with her dad afterwards. But at home, doing her math homework, she can’t focus…
She’s just too itchy!
She gives in, scratching her arms, and overwhelmed by the sound of Claire playing with her puppy outside. However, when she math problem blows away, and she goes to catch it, she sees something strange through a crack in the fence…
Claire is crying?
She hadn’t that maybe Claire missed being friends, and playing together… it wasn’t just about her. I liked this. Maggie doesn’t have ‘main character syndrome’, and sees the pain that others go through, as well. She summons her courage, and goes to Claire’s house. Claire and her have a heart to heart, and Claire explains that she didn’t know the shots wouldn’t cure Maggie. They go to hang out at Maggie’s house, and Claire gives her an idea…
What if she got a mouse?
First, though, Maggie convinces her parents to give her room a lock. (However, her parents and grandmother still have a key, but they say that if she’s responsible, they’ll only use it in an emergency.) Next, Maggie and Claire go to the pet store, and buy a mouse! Maggie loves the pet, but it’s totally giving her allergic reactions. Still, if she can keep it a secret… her parents won’t ever make her take the mouse back! They can’t if they don’t even know she has one, right?
The boy that waved to her in the hall a little while back begins sitting with her at lunch, and she makes a fast friend in him. He’s allergic to eggs, and understands how she feels being allergic to animals. The reader learns more about food allergies and different types of reactions- for instance, Sebastian has an EpiPen. That night, she can’t find her pet mouse, Pipsqueak any where, but she finds out the reason in the morning….
Her mouse had babies!
So on top of the pet she was already hiding, she tries to hide the 11 babies as well! Her allergies keep getting worse, and the doctors begin changing her medication. This is VERY dangerous… Claire helps her with hiding the animals… they have to wait a while until you’re supposed to touch the mice, and when the day finally comes, she excitedly rushes home with her friend. However, after getting the key to her room with she dropped it, her twin brothers discover the secret… and tell on her! Maggie goes off on her brothers, and even gets mad at Claire, telling her not everyone can have whatever they want like her!! She goes to cry in her room, and says goodbye to her pet mouse…
And her parents take it back to the store.
There were some problems with this part of the story, also. First, the store selling a pet to a child without an adult, AND a pregnant animal, AND the fact that apparently, mice also shouldn’t live on their own. I also don’t like her friend and her keeping it a secret, and sneaking so much to hide the animal. But, the story goes on…
And the next morning, Maggie’s mother goes to the hospital, because the baby seems to be coming. Maggie tells her that she doesn’t want her to go…
But her mother comforts her, telling her that although things won’t be the same…
Maybe they’ll be even better when she comes back with the baby.
Maggie is worried all day, wondering if something will happen to her mom.
And while trying to sleep that night, it seems that her brother Liam is having problems, too. He misses his parents… and Maggie gets out a sleeping bag, to stay with him overnight. They bond a bit, and he tells her that sometimes Noah can be overwhelming. I didn’t like how they bonded over the fact that they are ‘overwhelmed’ by a sibling… but oh well.
When Maggie wakes up, she is greeted by her grandmother- who announces…
What did I think of this book? Well, my feelings are somewhat mixed. It was annoying how the animals were often shown in improper cages or treatment… I liked the art and overall story, and the allergy theming didn’t bother me like I thought it would, and I loved her friendship with Claire. I also like the ending, beucase it showed Maggie opening up to something she never though she could’ve…
But I also just really like babies.
And animals.
So maybe that helps.
For me, this book wasn’t as good as ‘Squished’, but I still did enjoy it.
(This book contains many depictions of allergic reactions (swelling rashes, red eyes). Breathing issues are mentioned but not shown, as it doesn’t happen to her. The death of an animal is featured, and there is a birth of a new sibling (nothing sensitive shown at all). Maggie also gets lots of shots- there is no blood, but if needles really bother you, this might be too much. I would give this book an age rating of 8+)
I love animals. A lot. So I can understand how 10-year old Maggie feels, awakening on her birthday, about to go out and get a puppy. Maggie narrates that she knew this was going to be the best day of her entire life. She’s never had a pet… and can’t wait to get one! She wants to rush through her birthday pancakes, and tries to get her pregnant mother to hurry up with her yoga, so they can go out to pick out a puppy! Her wish does soon come true, and the family pulls up to an animal rescue center. Maggie’s mother reminds her that they might not have any puppies, and might have to come back another time….
But they do have puppies… and Maggie finds the perfect one!
She’s so excited to take it home, play with it, and give it a name….. but as she’s daydreaming, she begins to feel strange… and sick. What’s happening?! Her twin brothers are shocked, saying she looks like she got punched in the face, and her parents rush her to see a doctor….
And Maggie feels heartbroken as can be.
But in denial, she tries to pretend she isn’t allergic to the dog. Maybe she just got sick suddenly, or is allergic to something else- it could be anything! Her parents still have her go to an allergist, of course, wanting to see what she really is allergic to. Maggie is scared of the testing, thinking it will be like getting tons of shots, but she says it feels more like a tiny poke, once it is over and done with. While they are waiting too see if she has any reactions, her mother offers to read to her- but Maggie is too busy focusing her energy on not having an allergic reaction. I’m sure this part is really relatable, trying to have control over something you can’t change. Despite her efforts, they are in vain, and Maggie learns she is allergic to anything with fur or feathers, so that of course includes dogs. The doctor explains how allergies work, which could be very helpful for any kid who isn’t informed yet about them. Maggie is crushed going home, seeing someone walking a dog out the car window. In her bedroom, she rips down a dog poster, and starts throwing various animal toys and items on the floor… until she catches sight of a book with a turtle on it. Wait….
There’s got to be plenty of pets left she can still have!
( do wonder how come she didn’t already know she was allergic to animals. I guess she was just never really around any? Or did she develop the allergies recently? It just seems like if it was this severe, I doubt it would take that long for her to discover the allergy. )
So, on her pet quest, Maggie begins with a fish! However, she isn’t able to make herself fully fall in love with it….
And it dies quickly.
So then she tries a lizard, but it falls right in love with her twin brothers, and she gives it to them.
She doesn’t want a snake because of feeding, and you aren’t supposed to handle frogs or toads, turtles hibernate, and tortoises live too long. She gets a hermit crab, but it doesn’t seem to move… and hedgehogs are illegal pets where she lives?! That just leaves a tarantula… but why did she put that on the list anyway?! She doesn’t want a pet spider!
I do really question this part of the book, though. Why does Maggie give up on the lizard, just because her brothers like it? Can’t she try another one? Also, why and how can her parents afford this many new pets and cages, while they are also preparing for a baby? It seemed a little over the top… but whatever.
Time still goes on, and soon, Maggie has to go to school. She’s dreading it, because even though her family didn’t move, the school boundaries changed, so she has to go to a new one now, without any of her old friends. She’s sure this is going to be the worst day of her life…
Her dad walks with her to the bus stop, but after that, Maggie is on her own. She feels tiny, and awkward, but tries her best to keep going, and makes it to her class. In the classroom, there is a strange box, with a red cloth covering it. When her teacher arrives, he reveals that it’s their new class pet…
A guinea pig named Spots!
Everyone is oooh-ing and ahhh-ing other the animal, while Maggie begins to sneeze. She tries to insist everything is fine, but it isn’t…
And she ends up in the nurses office, with the having to be transferred to a new class. She scared everyone on class will be mad at her… and she does get plenty of glares.
So, based on other reviews and online research, there is some problems with this. 1. The cage is too small for a guinea pig and 2. You really shouldn’t have only one guinea pig, they like company. Sure, people make mistakes sometimes, and not everyone will take care of animals in perfectly ideal conditions. But for the book, you’d think they’d do research? Also, I feel very bad for Maggie. I bet many classmates would be upset with her… even though it’s not her fault at all.
But her world gets a little brighter for her new neighbor, Claire, invites her over! Claire is a year older, and in 6th grade… but they still go to the same school! Claire says that today was her first day at school, but she missed the real first day… which really confused me? The thing is, Maggie keeps stating that THIS DAY, TODAY was the first day of school. So…. Huh? Anyway, Maggie and Claire bond quickly, and have lots of fun together. Maggie enjoys the peace and quiet of her friend’s house, as Claire only has her dad here, and no siblings, due to her parents being divorced. Maggie is a bit jealous, too, because Claire’s dad lets her do just about anything she wants. Maggie can’t get her parents to do anything anymore…they’re too busy getting ready for the baby! She wants to redecorate her room, but doesn’t really know what to do. She used to love having furry animals all over it…
But that doesn’t feel right anymore.
The two girls continue playing and having fun, and Maggie ends up saving up to buy a ‘best friend’ necklace for them to share. Just as she is about to give it to Claire, however, she hears her friend’s voice calling her out the window. Claire wants to show Maggie…
HER NEW PUPPY?!
Maggie is crushed once again, and of course, jealous of the black lab puppy. (At least, that’s what the dog looks to be.) Claire knew she was allergic to dogs, and Maggie doesn’t know how she could betray her like this. So…
Maggie starts avoiding her.
Suddenly, she’s too busy with homework, feels sick, or is sleeping whenever Claire tries to hang out. She’s also upset with her brothers, who play with the neighbors’s puppy, and complain that it’s Maggie’s fault they can’t get a puppy of their own. On the bus to school, Maggie avoids Claire like the plague…. And it works! But…
It still feels lonely.
Her dad comes to school to pick her up early for her allergy shots, and Maggie accidentally ignores a boy’s wave in the hall. There’s just so much on her mind… her dad calls her ‘his favorite daughter’, but when she sees the car seat, something hits her.
If the baby is a girl, he won’t say that anymore, will he?
Feeling down, Maggie gets the shots, and goes out to get ice cream with her dad afterwards. But at home, doing her math homework, she can’t focus…
She’s just too itchy!
She gives in, scratching her arms, and overwhelmed by the sound of Claire playing with her puppy outside. However, when she math problem blows away, and she goes to catch it, she sees something strange through a crack in the fence…
Claire is crying?
She hadn’t that maybe Claire missed being friends, and playing together… it wasn’t just about her. I liked this. Maggie doesn’t have ‘main character syndrome’, and sees the pain that others go through, as well. She summons her courage, and goes to Claire’s house. Claire and her have a heart to heart, and Claire explains that she didn’t know the shots wouldn’t cure Maggie. They go to hang out at Maggie’s house, and Claire gives her an idea…
What if she got a mouse?
First, though, Maggie convinces her parents to give her room a lock. (However, her parents and grandmother still have a key, but they say that if she’s responsible, they’ll only use it in an emergency.) Next, Maggie and Claire go to the pet store, and buy a mouse! Maggie loves the pet, but it’s totally giving her allergic reactions. Still, if she can keep it a secret… her parents won’t ever make her take the mouse back! They can’t if they don’t even know she has one, right?
The boy that waved to her in the hall a little while back begins sitting with her at lunch, and she makes a fast friend in him. He’s allergic to eggs, and understands how she feels being allergic to animals. The reader learns more about food allergies and different types of reactions- for instance, Sebastian has an EpiPen. That night, she can’t find her pet mouse, Pipsqueak any where, but she finds out the reason in the morning….
Her mouse had babies!
So on top of the pet she was already hiding, she tries to hide the 11 babies as well! Her allergies keep getting worse, and the doctors begin changing her medication. This is VERY dangerous… Claire helps her with hiding the animals… they have to wait a while until you’re supposed to touch the mice, and when the day finally comes, she excitedly rushes home with her friend. However, after getting the key to her room with she dropped it, her twin brothers discover the secret… and tell on her! Maggie goes off on her brothers, and even gets mad at Claire, telling her not everyone can have whatever they want like her!! She goes to cry in her room, and says goodbye to her pet mouse…
And her parents take it back to the store.
There were some problems with this part of the story, also. First, the store selling a pet to a child without an adult, AND a pregnant animal, AND the fact that apparently, mice also shouldn’t live on their own. I also don’t like her friend and her keeping it a secret, and sneaking so much to hide the animal. But, the story goes on…
And the next morning, Maggie’s mother goes to the hospital, because the baby seems to be coming. Maggie tells her that she doesn’t want her to go…
But her mother comforts her, telling her that although things won’t be the same…
Maybe they’ll be even better when she comes back with the baby.
Maggie is worried all day, wondering if something will happen to her mom.
And while trying to sleep that night, it seems that her brother Liam is having problems, too. He misses his parents… and Maggie gets out a sleeping bag, to stay with him overnight. They bond a bit, and he tells her that sometimes Noah can be overwhelming. I didn’t like how they bonded over the fact that they are ‘overwhelmed’ by a sibling… but oh well.
When Maggie wakes up, she is greeted by her grandmother- who announces…
What did I think of this book? Well, my feelings are somewhat mixed. It was annoying how the animals were often shown in improper cages or treatment… I liked the art and overall story, and the allergy theming didn’t bother me like I thought it would, and I loved her friendship with Claire. I also like the ending, beucase it showed Maggie opening up to something she never though she could’ve…
But I also just really like babies.
And animals.
So maybe that helps.
For me, this book wasn’t as good as ‘Squished’, but I still did enjoy it.
(This book contains many depictions of allergic reactions (swelling rashes, red eyes). Breathing issues are mentioned but not shown, as it doesn’t happen to her. The death of an animal is featured, and there is a birth of a new sibling (nothing sensitive shown at all). Maggie also gets lots of shots- there is no blood, but if needles really bother you, this might be too much. I would give this book an age rating of 8+)
February 7, 2025
4 stars
This story could have almost been about me. I moved to a different school around the same age as Maggie, had some changes in family dynamics and found out I was allergic to pretty much everything having to do with Nature. This included all the animals my farmer relatives, neighbors and my own family had. Unlike Maggie’s family, we did not give up on having some furry creatures in the house. (I’d have died giving up my beloved dogs and cats because of my reactions.) We did experiment with pets I could have that I wouldn’t be allergic to like Maggie. I wish they would have done more of that in the book but I guess trying one time each makes sense money wise. Maggie being 10 years old does not have great understanding or control over her emotions yet. We got to see the fluctuations in regards to her family and friendship with Claire. I wish we got to see more building between her and her twin brothers. She has a moment with Liam and then it’s just forgotten. I know she’s focusing on being a sister to the baby but it felt weird that the message was “if I can’t have a pet that loves me the most then I’ll make sure the baby loves me most.” This may not be a perfect story but it was a good reading time.
This story could have almost been about me. I moved to a different school around the same age as Maggie, had some changes in family dynamics and found out I was allergic to pretty much everything having to do with Nature. This included all the animals my farmer relatives, neighbors and my own family had. Unlike Maggie’s family, we did not give up on having some furry creatures in the house. (I’d have died giving up my beloved dogs and cats because of my reactions.) We did experiment with pets I could have that I wouldn’t be allergic to like Maggie. I wish they would have done more of that in the book but I guess trying one time each makes sense money wise. Maggie being 10 years old does not have great understanding or control over her emotions yet. We got to see the fluctuations in regards to her family and friendship with Claire. I wish we got to see more building between her and her twin brothers. She has a moment with Liam and then it’s just forgotten. I know she’s focusing on being a sister to the baby but it felt weird that the message was “if I can’t have a pet that loves me the most then I’ll make sure the baby loves me most.” This may not be a perfect story but it was a good reading time.
March 4, 2021
With younger twin brothers and a new baby on the way, Maggie feels alone in her loving family. She's convinced her parents, who are preoccupied with baby names and other preparations, to let her adopt a puppy that will be her own. Maggie has been looking forward to her tenth birthday for a long time, since this is the day she gets her perfect pet. At the animal shelter, however, Maggie breaks out into a severe rash, and she learns that she's allergic to anything with fur. So much for her puppy. Devastated, but determined to find the perfect pet, Maggie begins research, as she works her way through allergy shots and makes a new friend. Told in colorful graphic panels, readers will enjoy Maggie's attempts at finding a perfect pet and will appreciate her frustration when things go awry with her new friend.
THOUGHTS: Readers with any allergies, but especially those allergic to pets, will felt represented in this cute graphic novel. A great addition to elementary and middle grade collections.
THOUGHTS: Readers with any allergies, but especially those allergic to pets, will felt represented in this cute graphic novel. A great addition to elementary and middle grade collections.
March 6, 2021
I've been waiting (not-so-patiently!) for this graphic novel to come out bc it is my favorite kind of graphic, as well as the favorite of most kids. Anything about growing up and struggles resonates so deeply, and this is amazing bc it deals with allergies in such a relatable way. Maggie can't wait to be ten so she can get her first puppy, but she realizes within minutes that she has a severe allergy to dogs and then all pets. And, so begins her Pet Quest to find a pet that works for her. Along the way, she makes a new friend, makes a big mistake and learns to deal with her allergy. An added bonus is that this book teaches others about kids with allergies and even getting allergy shots. The pictures are amazing and so is the story. I'm glad I grabbed this first to read bc I know it will never again be on our library shelf!
February 1, 2021
This graphic novel is a great introduction for kids to learn about allergies in a story-based way. As someone who has been through it, I can say that the whole process of identifying and treating allergies is very accurate, and Maggie handles it about as well as any middle schooler might. I also loved that there was more to the story with changing friendships and family dynamics as well. Plus the illustration style is cute and vibrantly colored—there’s a lot to love!
April 12, 2021
What a cute book! This is definitely a storyline that I haven’t seen in MG, and it’s great that it’s I. A visual format! This will be such a help to young folks who are learning of allergies or feeling anxious about shots and treatments for that. I love the representation of the multiracial family and normalizing having friends that aren’t in the MC’s same grade. This will most likely get a spot on my rising 6th grader summer reading list!
October 4, 2023
➸ Trigger warnings for .
▷ Representation: Maggie (mc) has a dander/feather allergy; sc with anaphylactic allergies.
Blog • Trigger Warning Database • StoryGraph
▷ Representation: Maggie (mc) has a dander/feather allergy; sc with anaphylactic allergies.
Blog • Trigger Warning Database • StoryGraph
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