Review By: Melissa Ryan
Published: 2023
Genres: Middle Grade, Realistic Fiction, Health
Audience: Ages 8-14, Elementary, Middle Grade
Series: The Sugar Squad Chronicles Book 1
Goodreads Link: The Sugar Squad Chronicles: Camp Lessons
Content Warnings: Type 1 Diabetes, Bullying, Social Issues
Publisher’s Summary
Join Grayson, Ava and their friends as they attend a summer camp for kids with diabetes. With the help of wonderful camp counselors, the charismatic Nurse Sean, and the ever-encouraging Dr. Woodland, Grayson and his new friends embark on exciting adventures like hiking, fishing, and cooking nutritious meals together. As Grayson navigates his diabetes, he discovers a newfound sense of independence and confidence in himself.
But the fun and learning don’t stop at camp. As Grayson returns to school, he is pushed to apply the skills he learned at camp to tackle the challenges that come with managing diabetes in a less supportive environment. With the support of his family, friends, and teachers, Grayson finds the strength to advocate for himself and educate his peers about living with diabetes. This first book in The Sugar Squad Chronicles series, “Camp Lessons” is an inspiring and empowering story of a young boy’s journey to self-discovery, resilience, and finding a community of peers who understand what it’s like to manage diabetes.
Review
This book is the first book in a trilogy following a student that has type 1 diabetes. This book opens reader’s eyes to the struggles and successes of managing type 1 diabetes and still living a fun life. Grayson the main character goes to camp for children with diabetes and while he’s there, he learns how to manage his diabetes himself and how to appropriately dose insulin for various activities such as eating and exercise. Grayson makes a great friend in a girl named Ava while at camp and they go on many adventures together. Ava and Grayson do not go to the same school or live near each other, but still keep in contact after camp. After camp, Grayson goes back home and he becomes fast friends with a neighborhood boy. Together, Grayson and his new friend Owen work together to create a presentation to present to their class at school to discuss how to help students with diabetes and bring awareness. Owen has the technology skills and Grayson has his personal experiences to bring to the presentation. They work together and muster up the courage to present because they end up presenting their presentation to a large audience than expected! I loved this book for children and I think it brings a great way for students to relate or connect to a character in a book.
