I Got This: An Interactive Story

I Got This is an interactive story about making healthy choices. The story begins when the main character, Emily, wakes up feeling tired. As she goes through the day at home and at school, readers discover her poor eating choices and her symptoms of continued tiredness and the need to go to the restroom often. Emily's grades are suffering, and she has a difficult time playing basketball. She passes out during a game and ends up at the doctor's office, where they discuss her family history and take a blood test. The doctor diagnoses Emily with type 2 diabetes. Emily learns how to manage her disease with more exercise and better food choices. The story ends after Emily spends three months following her healthier habits and receives a normal blood test.

I Got This is a good way to introduce students to an important health problem faced by many young people. The story is kid-friendly and teaches about the possible causes, symptoms, and treatments for type 2 diabetes. Kids initially learn through Emily's story that unhealthy eating habits, such as drinking soda and eating too much fat, can lead to the disease. They also learn that symptoms include excessive tiredness, feeling shaky, and the need to go to the bathroom frequently.

Once Emily receives her diagnosis of type 2 diabetes, students learn that a family history of the disease can put people at further risk. They learn that strategies for managing the disease include eating plenty of vegetables, drinking water, and limiting sugar and fats. Unfortunately, kids are not given any opportunities to apply what they've learned. Some quizzes, games, or an interactive glossary could help.