Portia's Incredible Journey is a page-turning novel about surmounting adversity, family
separation, and coming of age for eight-to twelve-year-old. Boys and girls will cheer Portia
on as she confronts this year of challenges. One day at school, Liz, the fourth grade bully,
shook her chubby fist so close to Portia's face that she could smell the sweat on it. Tell
anyone I was in Nurse Bryant's office and you'll be sorry, Liz threatened. I'll give you a black
eye. Later, Mom and Dad sat Portia down at the kitchen table and told her she has to learn
to give herself insulin. She is desperately afraid of needles. But every day, eleven year-old
Portia must deal with type 1 diabetes. As if this wasn't enough, Portia's heart sinks when
Mom tells her...we decided that a separation would be the best thing for right now. It'll give
us time to sort things... How could life be so unfair?
About the Author: Emma L. Price is a retired elementary and middle school teacher, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. Formerly of North Carolina, she now lives in Southern California. Mrs. Price has published several professional articles in journals and newspapers. Portia's Incredible Journey is her first published children's book.
Publisher: ELP BOOKS
Some interesting reviews:
Portia is a very likeable character! I found Portia's Incredible Journey well-written with good pacing and an important message. I liked the way Portia and her cousin help each other get used to what it's like to be diabetic, and again, when Portia reaches out to help Liz at camp. The friendships and extended generations of family make it a very loving story with good strong connections, and as the girls learned, the support of family and friends will help you through even the toughest of times. It definitely held my attention and I read it through without stopping. Once you start, it's hard to put down. Highly recommended for middle grade youth, especially those coming to terms with juvenile diabetes or problems between parents.
--Sherri Hansen
I LOVED this book about Portia and all the challenges she faced. From Diabetes, to friends, to family issues this little girl gives you a real life glimpse into her world and her feelings. The diary entries really make you feel a part of Portia’s life. I look forward to many more stories from this author!
--L and A
I fell in love with the main character. Eleven-year-old Portia, in just one year, learns how to give herself insulin shots, befriends the bully from school who attends her summer camp, and then comes home to her parents separating without telling her why. The author paints her character with warmth, tenderness and sensitivity. I rooted for Portia all the way to the end, and was a little upset when I didn't get to find out how her trip to California turned out.
--Mary Ann Wilson
If you enjoyed the book, buy or share. Thank you!
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