by Matt Peters Content Advisory: Brief depictions of bullying and homophobia and extensive depictions of insulin shock In Joe the Barbarian, a pre-teen named Joe Manson finds himself uprooted from his familiar reality and cast into a strange realm where ancient magic coexists with exotic technology. What sets Joe on his surreal journey is something strikingly ordinary by comparison—in fact, a daily part of his existence. Joe has type 1 diabetes, the autoimmune disorder that disrupts blood sugar regulation by attacking insulin-producing cells. One day, while Joe is alone at home, he slips away from reality when his… Read More
New Podcast Episode: Ripple Effects Discussion about Invisible Disability, Diabetes, and Community
Alice Jaggers talks with Jordan Hart, Barbra Dillon and Dr. Theresa Rojas about Ripple Effects. Jordan Hart is a comics creator with many other comics under his belt. This one hits closer to home, because Jordan also has an invisible disability. Barbra Dillon is co-founder of Fanbase Press, which is publishing Ripple Effects. Dr. Theresa Rojas is the professor of Ethnic Studies at Modesto Junior College, founder of the Latinx Comic Arts Festival, and author of the first Unseen Ripples essay. Each of the five issues ends with an Unseen Ripples essay from a person living with an invisible disability…. Read More
The Truth About Stacey
Review by Sheila Ngoc Pham The Baby-Sitters Club series was a window into many different worlds while I was growing up. After all, it was through these books that the words “brittle diabetic” entered into my vocabulary and how I first learnt about diabetes. Stacey McGill’s life-altering condition was ever present and sensitively handled in the books; her best friend Claudia Kishi always ensured there were pretzels for her to snack on while the rest ate sugary American junk food at their club meetings. The Truth About Stacey is one of a number of books from the original series that’s… Read More