Author Kirby Larson and her daughter have joined forces to create an important story about what it is like for a young person living with a chronic illness. Told in unflinching detail based on personal experience, GUT REACTION is sure to help many middle grade and older readers.
Tess is in eighth grade. That is bad enough, but she is also starting at a new middle school, dealing with memories of her father who died of a heart attack, and trying to secretly handle a stomach condition that has her keeping track of every nearby restroom.
One thing that helps Tess cope is baking. Her father taught her everything. Whipping up a batch of what he called Joyful cookies or experimenting with new recipes, helps keep her mind occupied. Sharing what she bakes is also going to help her make some new friends.
Tess keeps an ongoing list of what she can and can't eat. Some things trigger the stabbing pain she refers to as the Knife. When the Knife takes up residence in her belly, she knows she will soon be rushing off the toilet. There's always the fear that a restroom won't be close or that when she gets there, someone will hear her or worse smell her.
Excitement is in order when Tess scores a spot in a prestigious kids baking contest. She has reached the finals before, but this time she hopes will be her chance to win. Weeks before the contest, she learns that she has a chronic condition called Crohn's. Will the treatment help her get through the baking contest or will the Knife end her dream of winning for her father?
Larson and Wyatt have added personal comments and help sites for anyone dealing with Crohn's or other IBS issues. They also emphasize that being one's true self no matter the challenges is important. I highly recommend GUT REACTION!
No comments:
Post a Comment