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Have you ever underestimated a child's ability to understand a concept that you were certain was far beyond their ken? Or perhaps given them less credit for having compassion for the plight of others? Well, I have! And I am delighted to say that I have learned from my experiences with the children who have taught me as much as I taught them. Bonnie Bionic is a 1500-word picture book stor... More

Have you ever underestimated a child's ability to understand a concept that you were certain was far beyond their ken? Or perhaps given them less credit for having compassion for the plight of others? Well, I have! And I am delighted to say that I have learned from my experiences with the children who have taught me as much as I taught them. Bonnie Bionic is a 1500-word picture book story about an elementary school aged girl who develops juvenile diabetes and how well she copes with the diagnosis. She is undaunted by modern technology which is instrumental in treating her new disorder. As a child of the "computer era", Bonnie takes to the concept of using a mini computer as an integral part of her treatment like a duck takes to water. The story takes the child's view of what is important in her world and may be surprising to adults who would worry about other things not nearly as important to the child involved. It is vital to see things through the eyes of the child, in order to be the most helpful to her and get her through this crisis.

The book is also informative about some of the most basic concepts of juvenile diabetes and explains it in laymen's terms. As a school nurse for the past seventeen years, I have worked with several young children, aged four through ten who have been diagnosed with juvenile diabetes. Research over the past several months has shown that this particular disease, along with childhood obesity is on the increase. There is a need for more literature geared to the child's level, which explains the disease and the ever-improving methods of treatment. Bonnie Bionic can serve to educate teachers and students. The main character is a compilation of several of the students I have had the opportunity to deal with over the course of my career. They all seem to show the same resiliency and willingness to do whatever it takes to get well again. They have all been an inspiration to me, for I know, as they do, what it means to wear an insulin pump and how very much there is to learn in dealing with it from day to day. While it may not be kickball, as in Bonnie's life, there are so many things to be enjoyed. We are all very grateful for the technology. The illustrations are done by a senior student in our school district who is using this as his senior project, which is required to graduate. His name is David McBee, and I feel he has captured Bonnie quite well.

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