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Book Reviews, Graphic Novels, Middle-Grade · February 26, 2021

Graphic Novel Review | Allergic

Allergic Book - Review

Summary: Allergic

Maggie loves animals and has been waiting patiently to get a dog, only to discover that she’s allergic. She’s also dealing with a changing family in which she feels less and less like she belongs. Her two little brothers are seemingly obsessed with each other and couldn’t care less about her. Her mother is heavily pregnant and excited for the new baby.

Maggie starts getting shots to get her allergies under control while on the hunt for a hypoallergenic pet. Things appear to be looking up when Maggie meets Claire, an only child living with her single dad who indulges her every whim. Claire is one grade above Maggie but the two become fast friends — until Claire gets a dog.

The Good:

allergic graphic novel sample

I loved this graphic novel. The illustrations are so beautiful and realistic. I felt Maggie’s frustration and her yearning for belonging throughout the story. Maggie’s family also plays a central role to the story, and I liked how involved her parents were even as she struggled.

The depiction of a fur allergy is powerful. Maggie is covered in a rash very quickly and with the illustrations, you can easily see how people with a variety of allergies feel when triggered.

allergic graphic novel sample

Maggie’s friendship with Claire, despite the ups and downs was also healthy. Both girls learn that families can look different and that sometimes we want what others have, not appreciating our own gifts. Eventually, Maggie befriends a boy at school with a food allergy who uses an EpiPen. Maggie also does something sneaky that I don’t want to give away, but I predict this book will be a huge hit for graphic novel lovers.

Overall: Allergic

Allergic is a sweet, realistic depiction of what it’s like to suffer with 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.

Buy This Book

Allergic - Book Review

I received an eARC of this book from Scholastic in exchange for an honest review.

More Graphic Novel Reviews

  • Be Prepared by Vera Brosgol
  • Twins by Varian Johnson
  • Sisters by Raina Telgemeier

Have you read any middle grade books with excellent depictions of allergies? I loved Joy McCullough’s A Field Guide to Getting Lost.

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Posted In: Book Reviews, Graphic Novels, Middle-Grade · Tagged: allergies, animals, books about families, Female friendships, fifth grade, friendships, siblings

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Comments

  1. Alienor @ a fox's wanderings says

    February 26, 2021 at 8:08 am

    This looks so cute! Great review!

    Reply
    • Afoma Umesi says

      February 26, 2021 at 1:50 pm

      It’s such a cute enjoyable book!

      Reply

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Books mentioned: I LOVE pairing middle grade fiction with non-fiction recommendations. It’s a brilliant way to get kids more interested in non-fiction and find similar threads between fiction and real life. 🏀 girls can play ball too 🏀 Previously, currently, and next in line: adult fiction edition. This doesn’t even include my audiobook lineup and my middle grade + YA stuff! 😥 living a lie is hard work 😬 🥠 Meet Maya 🥠
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