As the mother of 3 children, two of which are gluten and dairy free, I often wonder about my children advocating for themselves when it comes to school and other events where I am not present.  When I came across this book at an expo, I read it right at the author’s table.  The Gluten Glitch made me smile when I thought of many similar conversations that I have had with my own little ones.  It was such a joy to read this book that I purchased one for my children and the author generously donated a copy to our local celiac support group.  This book provides children with a platform to explain their dietary differences to their peers and classmates.

The setting of this story is perfect.  It takes place during a mom’s drive home from school with her young son.  The child is upset and complaining that his food at school always looks different from that of his classmates.  Although he understands why he can’t eat gluten, his mother reiterates the effects that consuming this protein have on his growing body.  She then refocuses him towards the positive side of his GF diet.  They talk about what he can eat.

I can’t begin to tell you how many times I have had this conversation with my own kids, especially the oldest who is now in 4th grade. Even though she has been GF since kindergarten, this year has been particularly tough.  When we were children we had to deal with bullies as part of growing up and attending school.  As parents, we are being made more aware that food bullying is occurring in schools every where.  I recently read some great articles in Allergic Living magazine including  http://bit.ly/YfPLDQ and http://bit.ly/PWeQE1.    My children and their teachers are armed with a plethora of information to deal with these situations and The Gluten Glitch will add to the arsenal.

In the fall, our youngest child will be entering kindergarten.  This book will be in his little backpack on the first day of school for him to keep in his desk.  You can purchase this awesomely illustrated and well written book at http://www.ieatdifferent.com.

This fabulous author has so much to be proud of.

Special thanks to Stasie John for all that she is doing to raise allergy awareness!