REVIEW OF PORTIA’S INCREDIBLE JOURNEY

Portia’s Incredible Journey, by Emma L. Price, is a wonderful, multifaceted story for all middle grade readers, however, it is absolutely invaluable for children (and their parents) who have diabetes or who have friends/relatives/classmates with diabetes.  This thoughtfully written book also addresses bullying and separation/fear of divorce, through the eyes of an eleven year old.

In this story, our heroine, Portia, learned she had diabetes when she was nine years old.  She was always tired, thirsty and had to use the bathroom constantly – a few common symptoms of diabetes.  The story explains what diabetes is, walks the reader through the tests and procedures for determining diabetes and describes how to control diabetes through insulin and a strict diet.  Portia is now eleven and has to learn how to give herself insulin. She is understandably terrified!  However, with the help of her parents and her cousin (who also has diabetes), Portia learns how to give herself insulin shots and how to keep her diabetes in check.  Her routine becomes easier and she is thrilled she has energy and doesn’t have to run to the restroom all the time!  She can do things on her own and even goes to sleep-away camp!  The story is vividly and realistically written from a young diabetic’s point of view.  The author does not sugar coat the disease but instead describes how scared Portia feels and how difficult each new step is at the beginning.  We are privy to Portia’s diary/journal entries so we know exactly how she feels – sometimes scared, sometimes frustrated, sometimes happy, and sometimes downright angry – Why did this have to happen to her?  It’s not fair!

For children (and their parents) who are just learning they have diabetes, this is an amazing, must-read book to explain diabetes and what to expect.  It also describes what happens if you don’t stick to your routine. While informational, this book is not a dry, facts only instructional manual.  The story is interesting and beautifully written in a way that is easy to read and understand.  For children who have been managing their diabetes for a while, they will be able to relate to Portia and see themselves in Portia.  This story will show them that they are not alone, and that diabetes is nothing to be embarrassed by.  This book is also great for children who have friends/relative/classmates with diabetes. This book will help them understand what diabetes is and they will empathize with Portia’s fears and concerns.  Another important lesson from this story is that diabetes does not define the person. Portia is kind, helpful and a great friend.  She is also a champion swimmer and loves to ride horses.  She is a regular kid who loves her family and friends and does regular kid stuff!

Now, you would think dealing with diabetes would be Portia’s only issue, but like a real kid, Portia faces other problems, too.  One is the bully at her school.  This bully is mean to everyone and threatens those around her.  If that wasn’t bad enough, the bully shows up at Portia’s summer camp (special camp for kids with diabetes) and has the bed next to hers!  Turns out the bully has diabetes, too!  At the beginning, the bully has a horrible attitude and treat everyone with contempt.  No one likes her and everyone tries to avoid her.  However, Portia notices how sad she is and goes out of her way to treat her nicely and invite her to things.  She even lends her a pair of boots so that they can go horseback riding together. At the end, Portia and the former bully become good friends.  Like most bullies, this girl was unhappy about herself and just needed some kindness and understanding.

During all of this, Portia is also facing a family crisis!  Her parents are keeping a secret from her and have separated!  The story addresses her fears, concerns and frustration. Again, this is something lots of kids can relate to.

Portia represents every child who has had to do something he or she would rather not do (so all kids!).  Whether it’s giving herself insulin shots or dealing with a bully or facing a family crisis, Portia overcomes her fears and triumphs! You will fall in love with Portia (I know I did)!

You can find this book on Amazon at:  https://www.amazon.com/Portias-Incredible-Journey-Emma-Price-ebook/dp/B01KY78OWE/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1538059556&sr=1-1&keywords=portia%27s+incredible+journey