Book Review: Allergic by Megan Wagner Lloyd
As a lifelong lover of animals and a passionate reader, "Allergic" by Megan Wagner Lloyd immediately piqued my interest. The premise—a young girl yearning for a furry companion—felt relatable on many levels. After all, who hasn’t longed for a pet to share their life with? However, this heartwarming narrative quickly led me to ponder the complex responsibilities that come with pet ownership, prompting a deeper reflection on the messages it conveys.
The story centers around a girl named Maggie, who finds herself overshadowed by her twin brothers and the impending arrival of a new baby sibling. In her quest for love and companionship, she yearns for a furry friend, only to face the harsh reality of her pet allergies. The line that truly resonated with me was, “How could something that made me so happy make me so sick? It just wasn’t right.” It captures the bittersweet ache of longing for something you can’t have—a feeling that many can identify with.
One of the novel’s strengths is its portrayal of family dynamics and friendship, highlighting Maggie’s longing for connection amid the chaos of a bustling household. Wagner Lloyd infuses a warmth into her narrative, which makes, at first, the whimsical tale of Maggie’s various pet escapades enjoyable. However, as I ventured deeper into her journey, a sense of unease crept in due to the book’s implications about responsible pet ownership.
While I appreciated the nuanced focus on Maggie’s emotional landscape, I found the message about pets especially troubling. Maggie impulsively acquires a series of pets—from fish to hermit crabs—without much forethought or research. Her family’s cavalier attitude towards these decisions struck me as unrealistic, especially when her mother brushes aside the lifelong commitment associated with owning a dog. It made me pause and wonder: what kind of message does this send to young readers who might be inspired to dream of pet ownership without fully understanding the responsibilities involved?
The depiction of class pets was equally concerning. The lone guinea pig and the sold pregnant mouse—both signal a disconnection from the realities of animal care. I couldn’t help but feel that such choices trivialized the needs of these creatures, perpetuating the notion that pets are commodities that can be discarded or returned when they no longer fit one’s whims. As someone who believes in the importance of educating young readers about responsible pet ownership, I wished the narrative had better addressed the long-term commitments involved.
Despite these critiques, I found moments of joy and connection throughout "Allergic." The art style is charming, perfectly capturing the innocence of childhood while effectively conveying the emotions that run deep under the surface of Maggie’s story.
In the end, "Allergic" showcases the longing for companionship and the complexities of family, while also opening a necessary conversation about the responsibilities tied to pet ownership. It’s a narrative that I believe would resonate with children and families alike, particularly those considering adding a pet to their household. However, I hope readers come away with not just a heartwarming story, but also an understanding that true companionship requires thoughtful consideration and commitment.
For young readers dreaming of furry friends or families navigating lively household dynamics, "Allergic" is a delightful read—but I encourage them to approach the subject of pet ownership with empathy and awareness. After all, our furry—and not so furry—friends rely on us for their well-being, a fact that deserves thoughtful representation in stories aimed at shaping young minds.