Epilepsy-Related Reading List
/By: Laura Dority MS, RD, LD & Daisy Argudin (parent advocate)
Epilepsy is hard… it’s hard for everyone… siblings, parents, grandparents, friends, and especially the kiddo with seizures. Epilepsy is complicated… there isn’t just one cure… one medication that works for one person doesn’t work for another…there are numerous different kinds of seizures and epilepsy syndromes.
Epilepsy is not easy to explain… especially to younger children, so we compiled a list of books to help!
Keto-Related
Krazy for Keto by Brandon Kopp (2023)
The story of a young boy's successful journey on the medically prescribed Ketogenic Diet for Epilepsy. Based on the real-life experience of the author.
After traditional medications failed to control his seizures, Brandon was admitted to the hospital where he initiated the Ketogenic Diet for Epilepsy in hopes of finding some seizure control.
Brandon bravely learns how to acclimate to his new life on this restrictive diet while still attending school and socializing with other children.
While not specific to keto, Gordy and the Magic Diet by Kim Diersen is a good option for children following any type of medically restricted diet. Unfortunately it is difficult to find but you may be able to find a copy at your local library or a used bookstore. Based on this list, it looks like the world could use more keto-specific books for children…..are you up for the challenge?
For the next section of this blog, we have divided the list into a few subcategories:
Epilepsy-Related (for the patient)
Epilepsy-Related (for friends and peers)
Epilepsy-Related (for siblings)
These books will help support your kiddo with epilepsy by giving them understanding and courage on their epilepsy journey.
The Adventures of Buzz Bee by Jacqueline Ann Gibson (2015)
Buzz Bee has been feeling strange lately. He's been flying into flowers, falling over in the hive, and the worst thing of all: he has no idea why. After a visit to Dr. Glowden, Buzz Bee and his mommy finally find out what's going on - Buzz Bee has been having seizures.
If your child is suffering from epilepsy, or has someone in their life with the condition, this book is a fantastic way to teach them about the disorder and how it's treated.
It also reminds readers that those who suffer from epilepsy or any other disorder are just as normal as any other bee in the hive.
The True Life Adventures of Spunky Monkey, The Magical Poodle by Lauren Michell Ruehring (2012)
Spunky Monkey The Magical Poodle is a dog with epilepsy who wanders off while at the park with his family and em"barks" on a day-long journey of self discovery.
As he tries to find food, friends and medicine, he encounters a cast of funny, caring, helpful friends who give him hope, confidence and courage to find his way home.
The True Life Adventures series uses real-life dogs to explore the issues of illness, disability and other life lessons from a gentle, entertaining and uplifting perspective that all children can relate to.
The Great Katie Kate Explains Epilepsy by M. Maitland DeLand (2014)
Jimmy and the other young patients in the neurologist's office get a visit from the Great Katie Kate, a spunky redheaded superhero who appears when kids get worried. Katie Kate takes the children on a medical adventure to learn about the various forms of epileptic seizures and treatments.
This superhero saga provides an entertaining and indispensable tool for parents and medical professionals who are seeking a positive way to help young epilepsy patients understand their condition and deal with their fears.
I Have Epilepsy. It Doesn’t Have Me by Jamie Bacigalupo and Judy Bacigalupo (2012)
Follow eight year old Jamie on her journey from being diagnosed with Benign Rolandic Epilepsy at age five.
Jamie persevered and overcame her epilepsy and went on to help other children by starting her own non-profit that provides gifts to children in over five states.
Mommy, I Feel Funny! A Child’s Experience with Epilepsy by Danielle M. Rocheford (2009)
Based on a true story, Mommy, I Feel Funny! introduces the reader to Nel, a little girl who is diagnosed with epilepsy.
The story takes you through the days following Nels first seizure. Suddenly, Nel and her family are faced with thoughts, fears and emotions that come with the discovery, understanding and acceptance of epilepsy.
Let’s Learn with Teddy about Epilepsy by Dr. Yvonne Zelenka (2008)
A book to help children and their families identify some of the symptoms of epilepsy and understand in an illustrative and enjoyable manner the doctor's visit.
The book tells the story of a young boy first diagnosed with epilepsy, the doctor's visit, the different tests and possible treatment and his relationship with his parents and friends.
And Down Went Poss & Poss’s School Days Book by Anne Little
And Down Went Poss is a book that examines the feelings of a baby possum when he is first diagnosed with epilepsy. Little Poss feels sad and unhappy, but with help from a special friend, he comes to realise that we are all different and that life can still be full of fun.
Poss’s School Days Book is the sequel to And Down Went Poss. It looks at what happens when Poss has a seizure one day at school.
These books include ideas for activities which enhance the child’s understanding of the story.
Going to school and making new friends when you have epilepsy can be scary and intimidating. Your kiddo might be concerned with fitting in. Other children’s exposure to epilepsy and therefore knowledge may be limited and incorrect. These books are great options for the classroom and friend groups to help support inclusivity and understanding.
Did You Know That I Have Epilepsy? by Stacey Crouch (2020)
A true story of a boy named Cody, who has been diagnosed with epilepsy.
It was written to help kids learn more about seizures and what could happen from a child’s perspective.
It’s easy for children to understand and has colorful, engaging pictures.
Milo’s Day At School by Shawnee Walker (2020)
This book shares a heartwarming, informative story about a child who has a seizure at school.
The author informs young readers about epilepsy, and what to do if they see someone have a seizure in a kid-friendly language.
Zeeba and the Seizure by Michaela Barnes (2020)
A children's book that promotes seizure and epilepsy awareness.
Zeeba Zebra planned to have a regular school day but began feeling unwell. Something unusual and scary happens that leads to an unexpected field trip to the hospital.
A story that encourages children to embrace empathy, friendship, and courage.
Andie and the Storm by Lexie Griffiths (2021)
Simplistic for young children to learn about seizures and how to help
Rhyming makes it fun to read aloud as a family, class, or as friends
Written and illustrated by a mom with first-hand experience and knows how difficult it can be to explain seizures to children
Taking Seizure Disorders to School: A Story About Epilepsy (Special Kids in School) by Kim Gosselin (2001)
This story dispels the myths and fears surrounding epilepsy in a positive, upbeat and entertaining style while explaining seizures in an understandable fashion.
Is Epilepsy Contagious? by Julie Devinsky (2011)
This book brings the story of epilepsy alive with easy-to-understand text and illustrations that are both informative and interesting for many questions kids ask about epilepsy.
I Know Someone with Epilepsy (Understanding Health Issues) by Vic Parker (2011)
This book introduces readers to what epilepsy and other seizure disorders are, how they affect people, and what they can do to be a good friend to someone living with epilepsy.
Can I tell you about epilepsy? A guide for friends, family and professionals by Kate Lambert (2012)
Ellie, a young girl with epilepsy, invites readers to learn about epilepsy from her perspective.
Ellie helps children to understand the obstacles that she faces by telling them what it feels like to have epilepsy, how it affects her physically and emotionally, how epilepsy can be treated and how the condition is often misunderstood.
Ideal introduction for children, parents, friends, and professionals to make sense of the condition in its varying forms and will be an excellent starting point for family and classroom discussions.
We know it can be hard for siblings to have a brother or sister with epilepsy or any kind of special health care need. They may feel left out, scared, or even helpless to help their sister or brother. This list will help normalize their emotions and give ideas on how they can be brave and courageous for their sibling with epilepsy.
Becky the Brave: A Story about Epilepsy by Laura Lears (2002)
This story dispels the myths and fears surrounding epilepsy in a positive, upbeat and entertaining style while explaining seizures in an understandable fashion.
A story about a young girl's struggles with epilepsy. Becky is always helping her younger sister, Sarah. Sarah looks up to her brave older sister - until one afternoon when Becky suffers a serious seizure. When Becky recovers, she retreats into herself and refuses to return to school, anxious that her condition not be revealed to her new classmates. It is now Sarah's turn to be brave for her sister.
If you come across any other books that you think should be included, please leave us a comment and let us know!
Note: Only books that were available on Amazon as of 4/2023 were included on this list.