Allergic: questions to ask and activities to try
Maggie just wants a pet, but she's allergic to anything furry. Allergic is a warm graphic novel about allergies, family and fitting in.
What age is it for? Allergic is best for ages 8–11. Good for: Severe allergies, feeling left out and wanting a pet.
Allergic (Megan Wagner Lloyd and Michelle Mee Nutter)
- Age
- 8-11
- Best for
- Severe allergies, feeling left out and wanting a pet
Read it together and talk about what it's like to live with an allergy, and feel left out at home.
What it helps with
- Living with allergies
- Feeling left out in a family
- New siblings
- Friendship
Comprehension and discussion questions
Pick two or three, not all of them. “I don’t know” is a fine answer, and you can always come back to it another day.
- “What did Maggie want?”
- “What happened when she was tested?”
- “How did her family react?”
- “Who became her friend?”
- “What did she find in the end?”
- “What would your perfect pet be?”
5-minute activities to try together
Allergy-friendly pet
List pets that don't have fur.
Feelings comic
Draw a comic panel about feeling left out.
Free printables: Allergic worksheet and activity pack
This book’s one-page worksheet with the questions and activities above, plus our activity pack: printable scenario cards, three 5-minute activities and a “What could I try?” page for practising everyday skills together. Enter your email and download them straight away.
Free. We’ll only email you if you tick the box.
If your child liked this, try
El Deafo (Cece Bell)
- Best for
- Hearing loss, a hearing aid and a superhero alter ego
- Age
- 8-12
The Boy Who Grew a Tree (Polly Ho-Yen and Sojung Kim-McCarthy)
- Best for
- A new sibling, a magical tree and saving the library
- Age
- 5-8
Sona Sharma, Very Best Big Sister (Chitra Soundar and Jen Khatun)
- Best for
- Becoming a big sister
- Age
- 6-8
Search all our books by what's happening →
By the Growing Wise team · Last reviewed: 10 October 2026
Growing Wise offers educational ideas for parents and carers. It is not a substitute for professional medical, developmental or mental-health advice. As an Amazon Associate, Growing Wise earns from qualifying purchases.