Inc. Allergy and Asthma Network/Mothers of Asthmat

Summary: In this book, children are introduced to the concept and feelings of asthma as well as what it is like to have an asthma attack. However, rather than through words, attacks are described through the point of views of different kids in their own drawing.

Personal Reaction: At first, I thought this book might just be a condensed "What You Need to Know About Asthma" Pamphlet. But what I realized was that it was actual pictures drawn with the hands of real children. Some of the children were young and drew more descriptive drawings, such as one where a boy said an asthma attack felt like an elephant jumping on him. Other children, who were a bit older, wrote very simply about their experiences with attacks and treatments. I think this would be a great read for maybe a child who suffers from asthma, or to a class to maybe raise awareness about a disease that is so common among young ones.

Classroom Extension: I would have students think back to a time where they hurt themselves, got sick, went through surgery, or any other traumatic experience. They would have to either choose, similar to the kids in the book, drawing a picture of what the before and after of that experience was like, or write a short essay on it.… (más)