Families who loved Gut Reaction by Kirby Larson often look for books with a similar feel. These 20 recommendations were selected for their similarity in style, theme, and reading level.
Reach for this book when your child is managing an invisible illness, a new medical diagnosis, or the quiet weight of grief. Tess Medina is a talented young baker struggling with the recent loss of her father while navigating a mysterious illness that makes her feel isolated from her peers. As she prepares for a high stakes baking competition, she must learn to advocate for her health and accept support from those around her. It is a compassionate and realistic look at Crohn's disease, grief, and resilience for children aged 8 to 12. Parents will find it an excellent tool for normalizing medical challenges and discussing the courage it takes to speak up about physical and emotional pain.