Living with a long-term medical condition like type 1 diabetes can be isolating, especially for children who may not know anyone else with the condition. Fortunately, there are books that can help them feel connected to others. These books use clear and straightforward language, helping children to easily understand the information and feel more comfortable and less isolated.

Books on type 1 diabetes can foster a person’s understanding of the condition as authors share their experiences managing symptoms like excessive thirst or itchiness, coming to terms with their diagnosis, or managing diabetes at school and home. They can help the reader gain insight into their relationship to type 1 diabetes. Moreover, some books are aimed at loved ones like parents to help them better understand the complexities of a friend’s or a child’s diabetes.

Here, we’ll take a look at seven diabetes books that may be helpful for children living with type 1 diabetes, as well as their family members and other caregivers.

1. ‘Rufus Comes Home’

In “Rufus Comes Home,” author Kim Gosselin shares the tale of a boy named Brian. After Brian receives a diabetes diagnosis, his mother gives him a teddy bear named Rufus, who also has the condition. Brian shares his experiences with Rufus as they learn how to check their blood glucose levels together, take insulin as a duo, and meet friends.

Recommended by the type 1 diabetes organization Breakthrough T1D, “Rufus” is appropriate for children of all ages. You can read it to your child or gift it to them if they can read on their own. You might even consider sharing the book with other children who know your child so they’ll have a better understanding of what life with type 1 diabetes is like.

2. ‘When I Go Low’

Does your child find it difficult to share how they feel when their blood sugar levels are low? In this engaging picture book by Ginger Vieira, “When I Go Low” shares the story of Jax the Cat, who is living with type 1 diabetes. Featuring colorful illustrations by Mike Lawson, the book follows Jax as he learns to describe what it feels like when his blood sugar drops. It also shows him connecting with others who have the condition.

The organization Beyond Type 1 recommends this book, adding that its rhyming structure is a great way to keep children engaged. In addition, it’s also available in Spanish, making its positive message accessible to a broader audience.

3. ‘Rosie Becomes a Warrior’

As a second grader trying to understand her type 1 diabetes diagnosis, Rosie has a lot of questions at first. But by the end of “Rosie Becomes a Warrior,” the main character of this beautifully illustrated book has developed a support system that allows her to thrive.

Recommended by Beyond Type 1, this book has a unique history. Its author and illustrator, Julia Flaherty, also lives with type 1 diabetes, giving her a first-person perspective on how challenging the diagnosis can be at first. Also available in Spanish, this book is suitable for children and families of all ages.

4. ‘’Twas My Type of Christmas’

Anyone with type 1 diabetes can attest to how challenging it can be to navigate the holidays, with so many food options that can make it hard to manage your blood sugar. In “’Twas My Type of Christmas,” author and illustrator Mike Suarez uses rhyming text with illustrator Ulsi Tola’s whimsical drawings to connect with children who have the condition.

T1D Living recommends this book because it shows the main character’s journey through the holidays, with appearances by Santa, the Elf on a Shelf, and the reindeer. It shows that preparing for the holidays doesn’t have to be challenging, and allows the reader to see the fun in the season, even while navigating diabetes.

5. ‘I’m Still Me, Can’t You See? Diabetes Won’t Stop Me’

Type 1 diabetes is often described as an invisible disease, so sometimes it’s hard to tell if a child is struggling with their diagnosis. In “I’m Still Me, Can’t You See?” a girl learns to not only accept but triumph over the news that she has the condition.

As a special bonus, Author Valorie Hergenreter and illustrator Mariann Asbury tucked an image of a firefly onto every page so children can look for the light in each beautifully illustrated scene. The organization Diabetes Voice notes that the story provides hope for any family dealing with a new type 1 diabetes diagnosis.

6. ‘A Magic Ride in Foozbah-Land: An Inside Look at Diabetes’

Step inside the human body to understand exactly how diabetes affects children in this brightly illustrated guide. Author Jean Betschart and illustrator Jackie Urbanovic follow two children as their diabetes educator walks them through life with type 1 diabetes. One of the most interesting aspects of “A Magic Ride in Foozbah-Land” is that it provides an inside look at how a body with type 1 diabetes works, but on a level that children of all ages can understand.

This book is recommended by Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh, and it’s a great option for children of any age, thanks to its child-friendly tips on diabetes management and its simplified language.

7. ‘Matthew Takes His Shot’

Many children are afraid of needles, which can make a type 1 diabetes diagnosis even more scary. In “Matthew Takes His Shot,” author Owen Coleman and illustrator Judy Bullock depict these fears in a way that even adults will connect with. The book shows Matthew’s journey and how he gains the courage and confidence to bravely face insulin shots.

This book landed on the Children’s Hospital and Research Center Oakland’s Recommended Reading List for Diabetics, which notes that its simple text is suitable for children as young as 4 years old.

Find Your Team

On myT1Dteam, the social network for people living with type 1 diabetes and their loved ones, more than 3,400 members come together to ask questions, give advice, and share their stories with those who understand life with type 1 diabetes.

Has a children’s book helped your child navigate life with type 1 diabetes? Share your experience in the comments below, or start a conversation by posting on your Activities page.