Published in 2014
My Year of Epic Rock
By Andrea Pyros
Sourcebooks, $7.99
In 7th grade, Nina Simmons has some big problems to deal with, beyond managing her severe allergy to peanuts. Thrust into a new school and realizing her ‘best friend’ is not living up to the title (OMG!), Nina is forced to meet new people and learn to be herself. She winds up at the lunchroom’s peanut-free table, where she and fellow allergic students decide to form a rock band named after a certain epinephrine auto-injector. Nina breaks out of her shell, and becomes a star along the way. A great book for young readers (recommended age 10-14) with food allergies. –Patrick Bennett
My Immune System Needs Glasses
By Michelle Nel
Allergygator Publishing, $15.99
Allergy mom and author Michelle Nel tackles the herculean task of explaining, in rhyme and in a manner kids can grasp, what exactly goes on inside the body when a food allergy reaction occurs. And she does a great job. Things that most adults without an MD wouldn’t know are explained succinctly – as part of an outlandish tale of a boy’s questions about his allergies and an alien visitor, Lucille, whose job it is to answer them. IgE antibodies, mast cells, histamine and more are covered and illustrated in a fun, accessible manner. Did we mention it rhymes? –Patrick Bennett
The Great Katie Kate Offers Answers About Asthma
By M. Maitland DeLand, MD,
Greenleaf Book
Group Press, $14.95
When three newly diagnosed kids with asthma are waiting at the allergist’s office, superhero the Great Katie Kate appears to explain the condition and put them at ease. With captivating illustrations, kids can easily understand the topics that are presented, including what asthma is, how it can be triggered, and how medications control it. The physician-author manages to explain spirometry, peak flow meters and more. The Worry Wombat, a gloomy character in each illustration shrinks along with the kids’ anxiety as they learn how asthma can be successfully managed.
Published in 2013
To Be a Nut or Not!
By Michelle Nel; illustrated by Jennifer Bebernes
Allergygator Publishing, $15
This little book, written in read-aloud verse, tells an adorable and highly educational story. Author Michelle Nel Chow starts her tale with a big lakeside gathering of a clan – the nut family to be precise.
In attendance are the usual suspects: Uncle Cashew, cousin Pistachio, the Pine Nut triplets and more. Also there, but feeling that he doesn’t quite fit is young Peanut. You can see where this is going: Walnut, the oldest and wisest, takes Peanut aside to explain the difference between nuts and legumes.
The author also clearly knows what a study proved: that many children with tree nut allergies don’t know what different nuts look like, and that can be dangerous. The story, the delightful illustrations and a handy tree nut chart provide a fun and informative solution to any confusion for kids with – and without – food allergies. –Gwen Smith
Patty’s Secret: A Tale of a Girl with Food Allergies
By Leneille Moon; illustrated by Brandon Fall,
self-published, $15
Allergy mom Leneille Moon created this heartwarming tale to spread awareness and draw attention to food allergies in schools.
The story follows Patty, a little pig, who is allergic to multiple foods and wants to keep it a secret on her first day of school.
When a classmate asks about the allergy- free stickers on her lunch box, she quickly changes the subject. Things turn risky when a parent brings in peanut butter cupcakes to share with the class.
But in the end, Patty learns a valuable lesson: her allergies are nothing to be ashamed of, and she needs to speak up about them. Moon has created a touching story for children, and a great discussion-starter. –Patrick Bennett
Published in 2012
KyIie’s Special Treat 
By Letizia Barbetta
Second Street Publishing, $18.95
Aimed at girls 4 to 8, this adorable allergy fairy tale features baking fairies and a prince who tastes sensational sugar cookies at his grand ball.
He finally meets Kylie, their maker, and she explains that they taste extra special because they’re made without milk, eggs or nuts.
The prince is swept off his feet, and the pair head, naturally, toward happily ever after. Children will love Wendy Sefeik’s illustrations. –Erin Stevenson
Nurse Teddy Bear Learns About Food Allergies 
By Ann Lempert Deutsch
self-published, $9.95
This little book is a gem, created by a school nurse author and wonderfully illustrated by young students with food allergies.
The star of the story, Nurse Teddy Bear, is the stuffed (yet animated) sidekick of a school nurse. The pair does an excellent job of explaining allergies, including symptoms, why there is a special lunch table, and why “food we never share, listen to Nurse Teddy Bear.” –E.S.
William Edwards and the Wizardly Glasses
By Stacie-Zoe Berg
CreateSpace, $9.95
Journalist S.Z. Berg has created a completely engrossing set of stories and characters with the William Edwards book series.
Young readers meet the nerdish William in this first book, and learn about his odd life with rich, aloof “adoptive” parents (they bought him online) who seem oblivious to his basic needs – and his celiac disease and mustard allergy.
With shades of Harry Potter, William’s life changes for the better when he dons a pair of green glasses, finds a place called Winkleberry and begins to master magic powers. A page turner for kids 8-12.
Also now released: the prequel; Winkleberry: Waiting for William Edwards. –G.S.
Squirrel’s Peanut Allergy 
By Tanya Dawn Richards
AuthorHouse, $21.99
The lead character, Squirrel, is an affable little creature who explains everything from label reading to peanut-free schools.
With captivating illustrations drawn by the author-artist. –E.S.
Plus:
Allergy-Friendly Cookbook Reviews
Allergy Resource Book Reviews
