A new diabetes superhero is created as young readers are introduced to Dybo Boy
Author pledges to donate profits from November sales to DRWF during Diabetes Awareness Month.
A new children’s book will help young people understand more about type 1 diabetes – and in the case of the lead character, learn to see the condition as a gift.
Author Mia R. Donovan was inspired to write about type 1 diabetes after her younger brother was diagnosed with the condition aged nine.
Spreading awareness
As a passionate advocate for type 1 diabetes, Mia has made it her mission to spread awareness of the condition using her affinity for writing.
Mia’s new book Dybo Boy will be published on 1st November to coincide with Diabetes Awareness Month – and to celebrate, all proceeds will be very kindly donated to DRWF.
The book is beautifully illustrated by artist Sarah Lambate and published by RosePrint and will be available as an e-book and in print format.
The story follows young boy Zaki, who has not felt like himself for a long time – and his parents have noticed that something is drastically wrong. It soon emerges the symptoms are those of type 1 diabetes.
The story goes: “He keeps feeling dizzy and is drinking lots. He visits the doctor with his stomach in knots. They look at the boy and mumble of powers. Of strengths great enough to lift clock towers. He is sent to HQ where he discovers his uniqueness, for type 1 diabetes is a gift, not a weakness!”
Dybo Boy shows that Zaki’s new condition is not a weakness, ailment or chore, but a strength, power and something to fight for.
The book aims to empower children with type 1 diabetes to use their new ‘gift’ for good, learning how to manage their diabetes effectively so they can continue to help others with their superpowers.
Dybo Boy follows Mia’s debut novel, Nicki Cottage and the Onkydonks, published last year.
Picture (left): Mia R. Donovan hopes to inspire young people with type 1 diabetes to live a positive life with the condition.
Picture (right): Dybo Boy by Mia R. Donovan and illustrated by Sarah Lambate is published to coincide with Diabetes Awareness Month in November
An extract from Dybo Boy:
Zaki wakes up bright and early for a dull day at school, but something doesn’t feel right. Oh no. Not at all.
His vision is all blurry. There’s a ringing in his ears and he has no energy – it has simply disappeared.
“You don’t look so well today, Zaki,” his mum said kindly. “Why don’t we take you to the doctors?” He nodded resignedly.
His parents drove him to the doctors, which he wasn’t too happy about. At least he missed an algebra test, which he would have flunked, no doubt.
They don’t wait too long before a woman calls his name. He tells her he feels rotten and his parents say the same.
“He’s never normally like this,” his dad said sadly. “I want him back to normal. We’ll take any help. Gladly.”
The doctor said nothing. She just called the transporters. “I’m afraid there’s nothing I can do. This is a job for headquarters.”
Dybo Boy by Mia R. Donovan and illustrated by Sarah Lambate is published by RosePrint and available as an e-book and in print format via Amazon here from 1st November to coincide with Diabetes Awareness Month.
Mia has very generously offered to donate all profits from sales of the book in November to DRWF.
Read more about type 1 diabetes
For more information about the 4Ts, read the DRWF Signs and Symptoms of Diabetes information leaflet here
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