Beyond A Gluten Free Dream (Livie Bloom & Friends: Adventures in Food Allergies)
Livie Bloom & Friends: Adventures In Food Allergies Series
What’s inside...
Livie Bloom has lost her sparkle after being diagnosed with celiac disease, making her uncertain and fearful about what foods to eat. 'Beyond A Gluten-free Dream' follows Livie on a multi-cultural gluten-free journey where she overcomes her fears, makes new friends, and discovers new possibilities. Written by Frances Marie Alvarado-Ng, BS MSW, it is the first book in the 'Livie Bloom & Friends: Adventures in Food Allergies' series, which highlights characters facing food allergies and the challenges they encounter.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
4-12
Length
44 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think Livie Bloom felt when she found out about her food allergies?
How do you think understanding someone's allergies can help us be better friends?
What are some ways Livie and her friends made sure everyone felt included and safe during their adventures?
Can you think of a time when you helped a friend feel better about something that worried them?
Why is it important to talk about our allergies and how we feel about them?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start by sharing a personal story of dealing with a challenge, to create a relatable atmosphere. Encourage your child to express their feelings about the book by asking how they would feel in Livie’s situation. Offer reassurance by discussing how Livie and her friends work together to overcome challenges, highlighting the importance of teamwork and understanding. Use the book’s illustrations and scenarios to ask your child what they would do differently, fostering critical thinking. End the conversation by asking your child to think about ways they can be inclusive and supportive of others, just like Livie and her friends.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Empathy and Understanding
Explanation: The story showcases characters who navigate various food allergies, highlighting the challenges they face. This fosters a sense of empathy in readers as they see the world from the perspective of someone with dietary restrictions.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by being more considerate and inclusive of peers who have food allergies, ensuring everyone feels safe and included during meal times and social events.
Example Lesson: Importance of Food Safety
Explanation: Livie Bloom and her friends learn and teach others how to handle food safely, emphasizing the need to avoid cross-contamination and the importance of reading food labels carefully.
Real-World Application: Kids can practice these safety measures in real life by helping to check labels when shopping and being mindful of hygiene and food handling during cooking and eating.
Example Lesson: Problem Solving and Advocacy
Explanation: The characters encounter various scenarios where they must advocate for their needs or find creative solutions to participate in activities that involve food.
Real-World Application: This equips children with the ability to speak up for themselves or others and to think critically about how to navigate social situations that involve food, ensuring safety and inclusion.
Example Lesson: Building Supportive Communities
Explanation: Through their adventures, Livie Bloom and her friends cultivate a supportive network that helps each other manage their food allergies.
Real-World Application: Children learn the value of forming friendships and networks that support each other's health and wellbeing, promoting a cooperative and supportive school and community environment.