Book Review: Sabina’s Celiac Story

Sabina’s Celiac Story, Neva Ryan, 

Neva Ryan Books, 2023, eBook and Print, 33 pages.

Reviewed by Casie Gambrel.

Sabina’s Celiac Story is an engaging true tale that offers valuable insights into the challenges and triumphs of living with celiac disease. The story follows Sabina, a funny, playful, and happy little girl who keeps getting inexplicably sick. Her symptoms remain a mystery until one day Sabina’s grandma discovers that she has celiac disease. So, both Sabina and her mom get tested, and they find out that they both have celiac disease too. Mystery solved, now what?

In her second illustrated children’s book, Neva Ryan once again uses her expertise as an educator to create an informative, educational experience for young readers. The story provides clear explanations about celiac disease, from how to identify some common signs to the importance of a gluten-free diet for those living with it.

Rendered in rhyme, with  brightly colored illustrations, the story beautifully captures Sabina’s emotional journey as she grapples with the challenges of her condition. Through the engaging narrative, which seems most appropriate to a pre-literate audience and their parents, the author walks us through the family’s journey to become a gluten-free household: from how to shop at the supermarket to what to do when eating out at a restaurant, and tips when visiting friends’ houses. 

Sabina’s Celiac Story is a great resource for anyone with a friend or family member living with gluten intolerance, food allergies, or food sensitivities. It also highlights the importance of strong support systems and the power of community. In the case of Sabina, this includes her family, friends, and healthcare professionals. The book outlines the basics of the disease while also focusing on the importance of compassion, understanding, and education in creating an inclusive environment for those with celiac disease. One beautiful addition is the author’s Q&A section at the end, which provides additional information about Sabina and celiac disease while leaving plenty of room for the reader to learn more from other sources.

I highly recommend this heartwarming book to any parent looking for a book to read to their preschooler who has been diagnosed with or is being monitored for celiac disease.