The Ups and Downs of Audrey May

I just finished reading The Ups and Downs of Audrey May with my son, who is in third grade. The book is beautifully written and explores an important topic -- a child and family dealing with a diagnosis of type 1 diabetes. Reading the story together led to great discussions about this disease, as well as about dealing with difficult life circumstances in general. My son was engaged in the storytelling from the start -- it has a great blend of drama, comedy, and facts about diabetes. In fact, I would start reading a passage, and he would jump in and take over the reading, especially when the adorable character Lizzy was talking. This is a great book for families dealing with difficult medical circumstances as well as those who just want to help their children learn how to deal with great challenges with dignity and courage.

If you or anyone you know has children that have battled or are battling with Diabetes do yourself a favor and order them this book. It is THE most thoughtful, inspirational, and relatable book on this topic that I have ever come across. As an individual who watched my father struggle with this disease my entire life and then watched my little brother battle the same things since age 12 I can not put into words how amazing it would have been to be able to give them something like this to read. Its encouraging, uplifting and very very well written. I am so grateful that the author followed her heart and wrote this book. I can NOT imagine the number of lives it will touch.

This book is beautifully written. A true gem. I can only imagine how helpful “The Ups and Downs of Audrey May” will be to families with children diagnosed with type 1. This book has wonderful, laugh out loud funny moments between the two sisters and heartfelt, warm moments between the family members. The book explains in easy to understand language what type 1 diabetes is and how to deal with it. I can only imagine how scary that must be for a child. I can see how reading this book might make it a little less scary. Love, love, love this book. Thank you Missy Mareau Garcia for sharing your family’s story!

I bought this book for my eight year old daughter who was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes four months ago. Audrey May’s experience with getting diagnosed is so similar to my daughter’s story; it’s remarkable! From having a sometimes irritating yet adored little sister, a cherished teddy, and hiding from her daddy under blankets to disliking shots, the dilemma of having a cupcake if it means another shot, seeing a fish at the hospital that looks like Nemo, and getting her ears pierced shortly after her diagnosis .... so amazingly relatable. This book is an absolute treasure for a family/child with newly diagnosed type 1 diabetes. What an amazing resource to help normalize the transition to life with diabetes and a great way to share a glimpse of the experience with friends and family! I’ll look forward to reading additional books from the author once they are available.

My brother has diabetes and can relate to what happens in this story. It's a good book and I am still scared of needles even though my brother has to deal with them every day. I will say, the author could make it a little longer because I finished it in fifteen minutes. I AM a fast reader but that is actually short for my regular. Point is, great book, but make ot longer.

I’m a mom of a type 1 diabetic, and read this to him without telling him what it was about. Within the first 4 chapters we have already laughed and cried. (Mostly laughed at how the relationships in this book are so much like our own family) This is well written and a much needed piece of literature not only for diabetics, but for those of us who love them.

This book may be helpful for young children newly diagnosed who may be struggling with feeling different or weird. It hits only the high points of diagnosis and treatment. It may help them to feel they are not alone. It is not intended to answer deeper questions, medical or emotional, children or adults have. I purchased it because I am often approached by family members of a newly diagnosed T1 seeking help (since I was diagnosed in 1973 at age 8). I often recommend books for educational purposes, and I wanted to check this one out.

I eagerly anticipated this book for two reasons that don’t fit well together. First, I love Missy Mareau Garcia's writing. Second, I am the mother of a special needs child. (He doesn't have Type 1 diabetes, but our family has also been rocked with an unexpected, lifetime, health diagnosis which continues to rock our world.) —And I found the book to be both moving and worthwhile. What comes across most in this book is the author's lack of self-pity combined with her daughter's continued choice of bravery. This gem of a book is humorous and appropriate to read with my kids, which I'm going to this week--it's a quick, easy read--as its lessons apply to anyone who feels different or faces real struggles, especially at school. I look forward to the next books in the series!

I ordered this book for my daughter who is 9 and who was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes just before her 7th birthday. I quickly flipped through it before she saw it and found myself feeling very emotional reliving our early days of learning about her diagnosis. My daughter sat down and read the book in one sitting, stopping only to tell me about the funny little sister parts. She really enjoyed it and I think I will send it to school with her so her new teacher can take a look and learn more about what my daughter goes though (and has gone through). Thank you to Missy Mareau Garcia for writing this book. We will look forward to any follow up books in the future.

So good to read this authentic, heart-warming story of a first-hand experience with an unexpected disease in a family. We have no idea, without personal experience, of the day to day impact, let alone the shock that comes with the discovery, to not only a child but their whole family. This is told in a way that does that beautifully, demonstrating the understanding and patience that is needed to not just cope with this, but go on to "live life" to the full! Thank you so much for opening not only my eyes, but no doubt the eyes of all who take the time to read this simple, thorough and personal account!

Such an amazing book! My 7 (almost 8) year old daughter is diabetic and she loved being able to connect to the character in the story. She was disappointed when it finished and asked if there was another book in the series. I originally thought it was a picture book when I bought it. But was pleasantly surprised it was a chapter book. We plan on sharing this book with her friends and cousins to spread more awareness about Type 1 Diabetes. Thanks so much for this book. 💕

Great book, my T1 daughter loved reading it.

Great book for older T1’s to share