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Tuesday Book Review: Gluten-Free Me: Beckmin Goes to School by Christy E. Bykowski



“Beckmin Goes to School” is Bykowski’s first children’s book and was inspired by her middle son Beckmin, who was diagnosed with celiac disease at 18 months, after extensive sickness and a series of hospital visits. Since then, Christy has worked with Beckmin through the everyday challenges of being a kid with this disease, dealing with his frustrations and his own learning curve as to what celiac disease is, how to explain it and what it means in his day-to-day life. Beckmin’s stories, written to help children define, understand and explain celiac disease, are meant to be both empowering and educational for kids and their parents. 

Title of Book: Gluten-Free Me, Beckmin Goes to School  
Author: Christy E. Bykowski                    
Publisher: Halo Publishing, Int.
ISBN Number: ISBN 13: 978-1-61244-228-0
Genre: Children
Publication Date: January 2014

Synopsis of book: “Beckmin goes to School” is meant to raise awareness for celiac disease and the everyday challenges children with celiac disease face in their otherwise normal activities.  As diagnosis of celiac disease increases, education, awareness, and understanding will be the keys to making celiac kids feel normal and included. Written for children to help them express and understand celiac disease, the book is a wonderful tool for children and adults alike.

My Thoughts: My girls enjoyed this book. It was a bit above the understanding of my preschooler, but she loved telling me her own story by just looking at the pictures throughout the book. However, my older daughter (a 3rd grader) liked learning about another child who was different as she is in speech at school. She was able to relate to Beckmin and how he had to explain certain things to the kids around him.

Children will not only understand the fears of going off to school or to a new school, but also how making friends can be hard. I love this because Beckmin doesn't get upset, but instead turns this into an opportunity to share about himself and celiac disease. The author did a wonderful job of bring awareness to those who have never heard of this allergy and also gives great tips to those who have to explain it to others.

Places available for sale: Halo, Amazon, Barnes & Noble
Author Website: www.glutenfreekids.info
Twitter URL: @christybyk

Author Bio: Christy E. Bykowski is an award-winning public relations and marketing practitioner, as well as a wife and mother. She lives and works in Cleveland, Ohio, with her husband, Benjamin, raising their three boys and spreading awareness about celiac disease and the need for a gluten-free environment for individuals diagnosed with celiac disease.

You can find out more about Christy E. Bykowski, her book and World of Ink Author/Book Tour at http://tinyurl.com/lquajjn

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