Asthma Is Not Stopping Me, Featuring Fabulous Me, Piper Lee! A Book Review

Did you know that there is a strong connection between food allergies and asthma? A 2011 study found that children with food allergies and asthma are more likely to have near-fatal or fatal allergic reactions to food and more likely to have severe asthma.

I received a complimentary copy of Asthma Is Not Stopping Me, Featuring Fabulous Me, Piper Lee! for review.

The book is written by Tolya L. Thompson, a physician assistant who has done a great deal of work in emergency medicine. The illustrations are by Terence Gaylor.

The book is big, bold, and colorful. The illustrations are detailed, fun, and have an animated feel. The story is simple, upbeat, and inspiring. Piper Lee swims, runs, and dances her way to fun, while managing her asthma symptoms. The book stresses the importance of staying away from triggers, and using inhalers to manage symptoms.

It’s hard not to notice that that lead character in the book and her sidekick are African American. This is significant, and a brilliant choice by the author because twice as many African American children have asthma as compared to white children. Sixteen percent of African American children have asthma. Eight percent of white children have asthma.  It's about time someone focused on this segment of our population with this type of positive story.

The book is appropriate for very young (read-aloud) to early school aged children. Pick up a copy for someone you love!