3 Reasons Why 'Allergic' Is a Great Coming-of-Age Book for Your Tween

Being a preteen is often characterized by awkward social situations and fluctuating levels of self-esteem — but a little guidance from a beloved book can go a long way during times like these. Allergic, a graphic novel for grades 3-7, is a coming-of-age story that will help your child better understand their own challenges and come up with creative solutions. 

Beyond giving your tween an interesting read with beautiful illustrations and an engaging plot packed with many laugh-out-loud moments, this book has important lessons about friendship, confidence, and identity.

1. Allergic Covers Family Dynamics and Feeling Out of Place

Maggie feels a little out of place in her family. Her parents are preoccupied with the arrival of the new baby and her twin brothers have each other. Maggie wants to get a dog to deal with changing family dynamics and to feel a sense of belonging. But when she finally gets what she’s been asking for, Maggie is devastated to find out that she is allergic to her furry companion. Through Maggie’s struggles, your tween will learn to address situations they aren’t comfortable with in a transparent way. 

2. It Encourages Tweens to Learn More About People Who Deal With Allergies

Many people live with allergies, whether they're allergic to pets or peanuts. This book will help your child empathize with their peers and relate to the main character if they have allergies themselves. Maggie even befriends a boy with food allergies so the two can relate to each other, which helps her learn how to process her frustrations and deal with her circumstances. (Here's how to talk to your child about allergies.) 

3. The Graphic Novel Teaches Lessons About Friendship 

Maggie is also starting a new school and feels anxious about making genuine friendships. Luckily, her neighbor ends up becoming a good friend, but Maggie feels betrayed when she gets a dog. The girls learn how to navigate a friendship full of differences, from allergies to family life. 

This graphic novel will help guide your preteen through some of the difficulties they may encounter during this phase of their life. Your tween will enjoy following how Maggie comes to understand her complex situation and how to be resilient through it all. 

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