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Diabetes in Fiction

A compilation of diabetic representation in fiction. Every book listed includes at least one character with diabetes. Click “Read Full Details” to read a book’s plot summary and learn how diabetes is represented in the story.

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SPF 40 (Zebrafish #2)

by Peter H. Reynolds and Sharon Emerson

A great band does more than make music – it makes a difference! This Zebrafish adventure shows that doing good can make a splash and be a rockin’ good time. Zebrafish has disbanded, at least for the summer, but the ex-band members can still improve the world in their own way. Vita is figuring out how to channel her lazy summer into something positive (with her dog Chimp’s help, of course). Walt and Jay convert an old ice cream truck into an awesomely painted (and fully wired) book mobile. And Plinko and Tanya inspire their campers at Stickleback Arts Camp to seize the day. Tanya takes a special interest in a camper with diabetes who’d rather hang out in the infirmary than participate in camp, while Plinko is preoccupied with his night vision goggles (leading campers to the bathroom night or day!). Ideally Zebrafish will reunite for the end of summer Strings of Fury concert at the Dunes, but there’s a hitch – Vita refuses to play plastic. This follow-up collaboration between FableVision and Children’s Hospital Boston is as rockin’ as the first.

Cardio Conditioning (Work Out #7)

by Andrew Grey

In the battle to regulate his blood sugar, Jerry March joins a new gym, but while working out his insecurity, he overdoes it on the treadmill. His insulin drops and so does Jerry. Fellow gym member Gianni Lappatura rushes to his rescue with a glass of juice and a helping hand. A few days later, Jerry gets to return the favor. After watching Gianni’s opera-singing strip act, Jerry finds him stuck in the rain with a dead battery and saves the day. As thanks and because he thinks Jerry is cute, Gianni asks him on a date. It’s too good to be true, and Jerry soon learns his Mr. Perfect needs a bit of help of own. But Gianni’s imperfections open Jerry’s eyes to the beauty of limitations.

The Nature of Cruelty

by L.H. Cosway

Her name is Lana. She wasn’t dealt the easiest cards in life. She wasn’t dealt the hardest. She has an illness, but she doesn’t let it rule her. The first time she laid eyes on her best friend’s twin brother she fell in love at first sight. It didn’t last very long. He was a hateful boy who made her miserable. The happiest day of her life was when he moved away to London six years ago. His name is Robert. He breaks the ones who love him. He’s always liked to play games with Lana, see how far he could push her. He once thrived on her pain, but no more. Now she’s coming to London to live with his sister for the summer and this time he plans on being her friend instead of her tormentor. But Lana is scarred by his past bullying. She doesn’t trust him, nor does she have any reason to. When the two find themselves living under the same roof, they call a truce. This summer will change both of their lives, as they put their history aside and learn one another from scratch. When fear takes over, we use cruelty as a mask. Robert and Lana’s story will see their masks slip away as the love they felt on the inside shows its true face. Not suitable for younger readers. Contains strong language and scenes of a sexual nature.

Ballerina Dreams

by Zippora Karz

This is the story of Zippy, a young girl who falls in love with ballet. With hard work she dances all the way to her pointes and the leading role in the performance. But soon Zippy and her family learn that she has type 1 diabetes. Will she still be able to dance in the performance? Zippy proves that she can take care of herself and still live her passion.

Good Like This

by Peter Arpesella

Life in New York City is fantastic for ambitious investment banker, Paul, his successful artist wife, Candice, and their beautiful and talented daughter, Sally. They are the model of an affluent, high-powered urban couple — until the day the carefully constructed wall of their secrets comes crashing down. Paul and Candice have been venturing into the gray areas of monogamy, and during a passionate escapade, Paul discovers that Candice has been a closet drug addict for the better part of their relationship. Resisting to face his own denial, having to deal with his suddenly weakening health, facing death and grasping at the threads of his failing relationship with his daughter, Paul needs a revelation. When he joins a cutting edge research project on the effects of stress, Paul discovers that there isn’t much of a difference between an addict, like his wife, and himself, who chooses to badly manage his type one diabetes. The New York City Marathon becomes the riveting and unexpected backdrop for the new bright life about to begin. GOOD LIKE THIS is a passionate story about family, commitment, self-discovery, the connection between body and mind, and the difference between "high and happy."