Middle Grade Monday and Arc Review: Allergic by Megan Wagner Lloyd

Image: Scholastic Inc.

Allergic by Megan Wagner Lloyd. Illustrated by Michelle Mee Nutter. 240 p. Graphix/ Scholastic Inc., March, 2021. 9781338568905. (Review of arc courtesy of publisher.)

Happy Daylight Saving Time! I'm sure you're all raring to go on this fine and blustery Monday! Middle Grade Monday features Allergic by Megan Wagner Lloyd and illustrated by Michelle Mee Nutter. All Maggie Wilson has ever wanted is a dog. There's a lot of change in her life right now. She's starting a new school, thanks to redistricting and her mother is having a baby. She's not sure how she feels about that. She's the oldest of three and often feels like the odd girl out because her twin brothers have each other. She gets the best news ever on her birthday! Everyone is taking a trip to the animal shelter! Maggie will get to adopt a dog! Best present Ever!

Once she has picked the perfect puppy, Maggie begins to sneeze and itch. The longer she stays around it, the worse it gets! A trip to an allergy doctor confirms that Maggie is allergic to fur, so cats and dogs, even rabbits are out. She tries a variety of furless pets with little success. She wonders how to outsmart her allergies.

Maggie's troubles and worries are relatable in this terrific graphic novel. The family is busy and supportive. There's even a bit of friendship drama. Ms. Nutter makes her illustrating debut here with her art, which (what pages were colored) is dynamic and appealing. 

Allergic is going to be passed around for sure. If you're a fan of graphic novels, you won't want to miss this one.