Eating Gluten-Free With Emily: A Story For Children With Celiac Disease

by Bonnie J. Kruszka, Richard S. Cihlar (Illustrator)

Explains the symptoms, diagnosis, and gluten-free dietary restrictions of celiac disease.

Genres: Food, Picture Books, Childrens

32 pages, Hardcover

First published November 1, 2004

Reviews

[Jess Colati · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've lost track of how many times we've given or recommended this book to parents of newly diagnosed Celiac kids. It's simple, it's matter-of-fact, it's helpful, and it's hopeful! Our daughter's experience going to a dedicated gluten-free summer camp some years after being diagnosed was happily foreshadowed in the scene near the end where Emily gets to make s'mores with another gluten-free kid.

[Dawn Draper · Rating 4 out of 5]

Celiac Disease is becoming more and more prevalent. What a great way to introduce young ones to the disease and how children, in particular, need to adjust their lives to stay healthy. Eating Gluten-Free with Emily tells the student about the life of a girl named Emily that found out when she was 5 years old that she had Celiac Disease. Emily takes us through her life and tells us how she is like every other little kid but needs to eat gluten free foods. She tells us where she shops, how she and her mom are gluten detectives when they eat out and how they pack a snack bag for times when gluten free food may not be available. Emily lets us know that it isn't always easy for her to be different but it helps her to know that there are other kids with the same disease, so she is not alone. She ends the book telling the reader that living gluten free makes her special and she wants to know what makes the reader special.
This informational book not only explains what living with Celiac disease is like but it tells it through the eyes of a little girl. Students would not only learn some new information but, I think, be able to emotionally connect to Emily. While reading this book I began to think of all the ways and reasons students have to adjust their lives to be healthy. I think students would be excited to share stories that are similar to that of Emily's story and be more helpful when they have friends with issues that cause them to make adjustments in their lives to stay healthy.

[Michelle Gray · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a simply yet informative story for a young child who might just have learned they have to eat gluten free. I love the positive spin the author put on the message overall. Having recently found out I have to be gluten free, this is a book I could see reading to kids to help them understand why I have to eat different things.

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful book for children (and their parents) with celiac disease. With fun pictures and a straight forward explanation, it helps children to hear about what they are going through.

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am going to check this one out again once my daughter is a bit older. I think it will be great in a year or so.

[Tami · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great book for kids with celiac to read and even share with their class at school to help them understand Celiac.

[Michelle Farella · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great intro to celiac disease for kids