Allergic: A Graphic Novel
#1 of 1 in Allergic Series
What’s inside...
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 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 draws on her own experiences with allergies to tell a heartfelt story of family, friendship, and finding a place to belong.
Character compass
Maggie
Claire
Mom
Dad
Discussion points
How did Maggie's journey with allergies make you feel, and what would you do if you were in her situation?
What do you think are the important lessons Maggie learned about friendship and accepting differences?
How do you think understanding and support from family and friends can help someone with allergies?
What are some ways you can help a friend who has allergies, based on what you read in the book?
Why do you think the author chose to use a graphic novel format to tell this story?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage empathy by asking your child to imagine what life might be like for someone with severe allergies.
Discuss the importance of friendship and understanding, and how these values are portrayed through the characters in the book.
Use the book's illustrations to discuss and point out emotions and reactions of the characters to deepen understanding.
After reading, prompt your child to think of ways they can be supportive or helpful to peers who have allergies or other medical conditions.
Highlight the growth of the characters throughout the book and ask your child if they have noticed any personal growth in themselves.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Empathy and Understanding
Explanation: The protagonist of 'Allergic: A Graphic Novel' navigates the challenges of being allergic to animals, which teaches children about the hardships others may face due to health issues.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this understanding by being considerate and supportive of peers who have allergies or other medical conditions.
Example Lesson: Problem Solving
Explanation: Throughout the book, the main character explores numerous ways to cope with her allergies. This highlights the importance of problem-solving and looking for solutions rather than giving up.
Real-World Application: Kids learn to tackle their own challenges creatively, understanding that obstacles can often be managed with perseverance and innovative thinking.
Example Lesson: Resilience
Explanation: The protagonist's journey shows her learning to adapt to situations that are out of her control, demonstrating resilience.
Real-World Application: This lesson helps children understand that they, too, can adapt to difficult situations and overcome adversities in life.
Example Lesson: Importance of Communication
Explanation: The main character often discusses her allergies and their implications with friends and family, emphasizing the importance of open communication.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to express their needs and feelings clearly, facilitating better understanding and support from others around them.
Example Lesson: Self-Acceptance
Explanation: As the story progresses, the protagonist learns to accept her unique challenges, which teaches children to embrace their individual differences as strengths.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to accept themselves and others, fostering a healthy self-image and respect for individuality.