Middle Grade Characters with Chronic Conditions
When I ran across The Year My Life Went Went Down the Toilet at the library, I was thrilled. A book about a middle-schooler diagnosed with Crohn’s disease would be perfect for my middle-schooler with the same diagnosis. I read the book and loved it. Couldn’t end up convincing the kid to read it, but even knowing it’s out there is a positive. And reading about the experience from someone who’s gone through it educated me. All of the books below are great books in their own right, but they also include characters who are living with chronic conditions, which will increase visibility and understanding.
Ghosts by Raina Telgemeier (2016)
The protagonist’s little sister in this graphic novel has cystic fibrosis. In order to create the best environment for Maya, Cat’s family moves, uprooting her from her familiar life. Their new foggy town, with moist air perfect for Maya, turns out to be full of ghosts. The story include explanations of cystic fibrosis and depictions of Maya’s treatment.
Insignificant Events in the Life of a Cactus by Dusti Bowling (2017)
The main character, Aven, was born without arms. She become friends with Connor, who has Tourette’s. I liked the descriptions of how both express genuine interest in each other’s difference and bond over commonalities that have nothing to do with disabilities. Aven lives at Stageoach Pass, a rundown theme park. She discovers secrets to the park that drive her to solve the mystery.
Roll with It by Jamie Sumner (2019)
Ellie has cerebral palsy and uses a wheelchair. When she and her mom move to a new town to take care of her grandfather, she’s not looking forward to being the new kid. Happily, she finds two new best friends who support her and her dream of becoming a chef.
Sal and Gabi Break the Universe by Carlos Hernandez (2019)
Hernandez delves into physics, the multiverse, grief, and morals while staying hilariously funny. Sal has diabetes, and the book covers what he does to keep himself healthy, including insulin injections. Sal is also able to reach between universes, a talent he uses to occasionally visit with versions of his late mother. But each crack in the multiverse creates problems, and he has to work with overachiever Gabi to heal the rifts.
The Year My Life Went Down the Toilet by Jake Maia Arlow (2022)
Al is dealing with a lot. Her best friend, who is notoriously shy, wants to try out for the school musical and starts hanging out with theater people. Her mom is dating her best friend’s mom — and Al didn’t even know her mom was gay. Al thinks she might be queer herself but is not ready to tell anyone. And Al’s stomach hurts all the time. When she is diagnosed with Crohn’s disease, Al must figure out how to live with a chronic condition. Thank goodness there is a IBD support group to help her figure everything out.