Reviews for My Life With...
The books in the attractive My Life with . . . series feature children telling how they and their families are responding to a challenge such as a chronic disease, a mental health issue, or dealing with grief for the first time. Written in a clear and direct style, each first-person narrative is based on Schuh's interview with the child represented in the book. In Grandparent, Elias explains that after Alzheimer's disease affected his grandmother's ability to care for herself, she moved in with his family. They try to make her life "the best it can be." In Pet, Abe recalls when his family got Odin as a puppy, and trained him as a service dog for Abe's mother, who has PTSD. Odin died recently and Abe misses him, but finds comfort in talking about him. Peyton, the narrator in Sibling, discusses her brother, Carter, whose treatments for cancer helped for a while, but could not save his life. Her parents and therapist have helped Peyton understand her emotions. It also helps her to know that others are thinking about her and Carter. In Military, Gracen describes the hardships and pride of a family with a parent serving in the Air Force. Colorful, useful, and reliable, this series encourages children to view others' problems with empathy and an open mind. —Booklist
These fantastic books, written in first person from the perspective of a real child whose photo and short biography are featured at the end of each title, explain what it is like to have a disability, how to accommodate for success, and how a person is more than their disability. Children with the same disability are shown to have varying traits and skills, and the person-first language makes children with disabilities relatable. With advice for interacting with a person with a disability, helpful terms, and further resources, these books are for readers with and without disabilities. While the explanation of the condition is well done, a standout feature of these books is the narrator’s positive self-image, the acceptance of limitations, the passion for hobbies, and the positive view of school and therapeutic support. -VERDICT A must-purchase that will teach about and encourage positive images of children with disabilities. Truly exceptional. —School Library Journal
Based on interviews with the author, each volume in the My Life With . . . series focuses on a real child with a disability or illness. In conversational, first-person narration, the child, depicted in expressive digital illustrations, explains how their health condition typically affects individuals, the symptoms that led to their diagnosis, and methods used to help them function day to day. My Life with Diabetes, showcasing Tiana, notes the differences between type 1 and type 2 diabetes and various ways to intake insulin. In My Life with Epilepsy, Max describes how different seizures impact his body, some of his triggers, and ways adults help keep him safe. Jocelyn chronicles her chemotherapy and many hospital stays while recovering from cancer as well as its lasting effects in My Life with Leukemia. In My Life with Tourette Syndrome, Emma relates her personal tics, the range of tics in others, and both her triggers and coping strategies. Throughout the books, the children also emphasize their strengths, friendships, and activities they share with other kids. Back matter includes a short profile and photo of the featured child and tips on respecting people with the disability. This realistic yet positive series helps readers understand the spectrum of medical conditions in young people. —Booklist