The Day My Best Friend and a Migraine Slept Over
Written by Audrey Beth Stein
Illustrated by Ana Solarte
Author Audrey Beth Stein could have written a cute, fun to read book for kids about “the day my best friend slept over. But by adding “and a MIGRAINE” she took it to the next level, creating a fun learning activity as well. For that reason, I recommend it for kids as well as their parents.
an 8 year old with migraine
Migraine doesn’t affect everyone but those who suffer with this debilitating condition know the physical pain is just one aspect of it. The other is the way it disrupts life, often unpredictably-like when this 8 year old girl is anticipating a fun adventure with her best friend Allie.
Ms. Stein introduces her book by explaining it is fiction based on personal experience, so when she describes the migraine “aura” she understands what that means. (Aura is the intial sign of an impending migraine headache, usually visual changes.)
As she narrates Allie’s “throbbing headache”, we learn how with her parents’ help she copes with the pain and disability, and how working together they manage to save her special day.
We don’t learn much about how her friend reacts to Allie’s distress, but she shows concern and doesn’t create more stress for her hosts. In the end both girls have fun doing the kinds of things all kids should get to enjoy without migraine getting in the way.
I’ve been so moved by the response to this book… I truly had no idea when I started writing how many people experienced migraine, and I’m grateful to know that the book is touching a chord. As reviewer Shirley A. Sanders says, “My little one suffers migraines, so she appreciates knowing she doesn’t suffer alone.”
Audrey Beth Stein
The colorful illustrations by Ana Solarte do more than show us what happens. She captures the emotions of migraine with details that reflect Allie’s distress and highlight her parents’ attempts to relieve it.
If your child gets headaches
I was surprised that there is no medical disclaimer, but the author did not present her ideas as medical advice.
As with any health information media, I advise against using it for diagnosis or treatment without personal medical direction. If your child has unexplained headaches I suggest you seek medical consultation with a qualified health professional.
I received a complimentary advance reader copy of this book via NetGalley and the publishers.
“This book should be
read by parents, teachers, friends
and families of migraine sufferers.
Congratulations to the author for
bringing this information to a greater
audience.”
—Marc Irwin Sharfman MD
Board Certified Neurologist
Headache Institute, Longwood Florida
Further reading about migraine in kids
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