"Rosie Becomes a Warrior"

Books in the series have been ranked among the Top 100 Children's Books on Disease & Physical Illness and the Top 500 Children's Books on Disabilities on Amazon.

This children's book series inspires children with type 1 diabetes and their parents to embrace a fulfilling life with confidence and joy, offering empowering stories and practical tools for navigating their journey together.*

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*Please note that this children's book series was created for residents of the U.S. where mg/dL is used to measure blood sugar levels. Therefore, the series may not be helpful to residents outside of the U.S. where other metrics and systems are used to manage diabetes. Please consult your healthcare professional or members of your diabetes community for the best resources and tips for your environment and experience.

This book series has been expertly translated into Spanish by Eugenia Araiza of Healthy Diabetes MX.

The Inspiration Behind

"Rosie Becomes a Warrior"

As someone who has lived with type 1 diabetes for over two decades, Julia Flaherty has always aimed to merge her professional skills and personal experiences to create meaningful change. Her children’s book series, Rosie Becomes a Warrior, was born during the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic, a time of uncertainty and fear for many, particularly those with chronic illnesses.

When media reports highlighted that people with diabetes were at heightened risk from COVID-19, Julia felt the weight of vulnerability. But instead of succumbing to fear, she channeled those emotions into a lifelong dream: writing a book that could empower others navigating similar challenges.

Julia Flaherty, Author & Illustrator of "Rosie Becomes a Warrior"

Turning Personal Challenges Into Empowerment

Julia’s journey with type 1 diabetes began just before her tenth birthday when mysterious symptoms like weight loss, fatigue, and mood changes alarmed her loved ones. A swift diagnosis upended her world, leaving her feeling isolated and overwhelmed. She vividly recalls the fear and sadness that followed her hospitalization and the unintentional but pivotal question from her younger sister: “Why is Julia acting like a baby?”

Though the comment stung, it sparked something in Julia. Initially motivated to prove her sister wrong, she later realized it was a turning point—pushing her to find resilience, self-compassion, and a community of understanding. Over time, her mindset shifted from focusing on what diabetes had taken away to embracing what she could achieve despite it.

The Birth of Rosie

Fast forward to 2020, Julia drew on this resilience to create Rosie Becomes a Warrior. Written for children with type 1 diabetes and their families, the series provides a message of hope, empowerment, and empathy. Rosie’s story reflects Julia’s personal experiences, offering realistic yet uplifting lessons about overcoming adversity and finding strength in vulnerability.

While Rosie is tailored for children, the series resonates with people of all ages. For adults with type 1 diabetes, the stories can provide healing, giving them the supportive words they may have needed as children.

Building a Legacy of Support

Julia’s ultimate goal is to help children facing diabetes—or any big challenge—realize they are never alone. Through Rosie Becomes a Warrior, she encourages young readers to embrace their inner strength, lean on their communities, and approach life’s difficulties with courage and grace.

Julia hopes the love and support conveyed through Rosie mirrors the care she feels as an adult when her sister reaches out to check on her after a low blood sugar alert. With Rosie Becomes a Warrior, Julia continues to turn life’s challenges into opportunities, building a brighter, more connected future for the diabetes community.

What Readers are Saying About the Children's Books

"Rosie Becomes a Warrior":

A Story to Empower Kids with Type 1 Diabetes

"Rosie Becomes a Warrior" is a bilingual children’s book (available in English and Spanish) created to inspire children with type 1 diabetes and their families. Through an uplifting and relatable story, this book offers encouragement, understanding, and hope to those navigating life with T1D.

Meet Rosie, a second-grader who loves drawing and ice cream, as she embarks on an unexpected journey after a late-night doctor visit reveals her blood sugar is 500 mg/dL. Rosie doesn’t understand why her mom starts to cry, but soon, she realizes this moment will change her life.

As Rosie navigates her diagnosis and time in the hospital, she discovers her inner strength and learns how to face the highs and lows of type 1 diabetes with resilience. Along the way, readers meet heartwarming characters like Penny the Zebra, Dr. H, and Emily, who help Rosie embrace her new normal with courage and positivity.

💡 Why families love Rosie’s story:

It helps kids with type 1 diabetes feel seen, understood, and supported.
It encourages open conversations about diabetes in a gentle, relatable way.
It’s a resource for families seeking positivity and empowerment during a challenging time.

"Rosie Becomes a Warrior" is written to remind children and parents alike that they are capable of facing life’s challenges with bravery and hope.

👉 Order your copy today to share Rosie’s story and empower the little warriors in your life.

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"Rosie the Type 1 Diabetes Warrior Goes to Diabetes Summer Camp": A Story to Empower Kids with Type 1 Diabetes

About the Book

"Rosie the Type 1 Diabetes Warrior Goes to Diabetes Summer Camp" is the heartfelt and inspiring second story in the "Rosie Becomes a Warrior" children's book series. Following Rosie’s journey after her type 1 diabetes diagnosis, this book empowers children with diabetes and their families to navigate life with confidence and joy.

What Children and Parents Will Learn

In this uplifting sequel, readers will:

Explore how Rosie and her family adapt to her recent diabetes diagnosis.
Witness Rosie’s fears—and her parents’—as she prepares to attend diabetes summer camp for the first time.
Discover the benefits of attending diabetes summer camp, from gaining independence to building confidence in managing diabetes.

A Fun, Educational Story for the Whole Family

Join Rosie as she attends Camp Wagagaga and makes new friends, Maya and Timmy. Together, they practice carb counting, learn to manage diabetes independently, and, most importantly, enjoy being kids! This relatable and lighthearted story shows families that life with diabetes can still be filled with joy, learning, and adventure.

A Resource for Parents, Children, and Classrooms

This book isn’t just for children with type 1 diabetes—it’s a valuable resource for parents, teachers, classrooms, and anyone who wants to better understand the unique experiences of living with a chronic condition. By learning about each other’s challenges, we can build a more compassionate and empathetic world.

What’s Inside the Book:

A playful song to teach and sing with your child.
Vibrant, colorful illustrations that bring Rosie’s journey to life.
An activity section with prompts for children to share their feelings about diabetes and reflect on what they’ve learned.
Easy-to-understand definitions of key diabetes terms for parents.

"Rosie the Type 1 Diabetes Warrior Goes to Diabetes Summer Camp" is designed to inspire children and families to embrace every challenge with courage and positivity.

👉 Order your copy today to empower the little warriors in your life!

"Rosie The Type 1 Diabetes Warrior Goes to Diabetes Summer Camp" Cover

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Thrivable Recommends "Rosie Becomes a Warrior"

"Rosie se convierte en una Guerrera":

Una historia para empoderar a los niños con diabetes tipo 1 para que vivan su vida más felices

Hola, soy Julia. Como persona con diabetes tipo 1 desde hace casi 20 años, quería llevar " Rosie la Guerrera" a la comunidad de diabetes tipo 1 para que sirva de recordatorio de que, a pesar de los altibajos de esta enfermedad, una vida con diabetes tipo 1 puede ser hermosa, llena de risas, felicidad y alegría y, lo más importante, ¡puedes ser tu propio héroe!

Aunque vivir con una enfermedad crónica puede ser grave, a veces frustrante y difícil, cuando se aprende a manejarla bien se puede vivir una vida muy satisfactoria y darte cuenta de que, pases lo que pases, ya sea diabetes tipo 1 o algo parecido, los únicos límites que tienes son los que tú mismo te pones. Rosie es para todo el mundo, no sólo para los niños con diabetes tipo 1, aunque fue creada pensando en ellos.

Quiero que Rosie sirva de recordatorio a todos que tú estás a cargo de lo empoderado, feliz y seguro que te sientes. Vale la pena vivir la vida y abrazarla con un espíritu joven.

Para las personas con diabetes tipo 1, en especial, quiero que Rosie les recuerde que son capaces de ser todo lo que quieran, con diabetes tipo 1 o sin ella.

"Rosie Becomes a Warrior" Spanish Book Cover

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Rosie, la Guerrera con Diabetes Tipo 1, Va a un Campamento de Verano de Diabetes

Hola, me llamo Julia Flaherty. He vivido con diabetes tipo 1 durante casi 20 años. Me dedico a escribir sobre diversos temas relacionados con la diabetes tipo 1 y 2.

Soy escritora, editora, autora, ilustradora y defensora de la diabetes. En todo mi trabajo, mi objetivo es ayudar a empoderar a niños y adultos con las habilidades que necesitan para alcanzar el éxito. La salud y el bienestar integral son un tema en mi trabajo, tanto dentro como fuera del espacio de la diabetes.

"Rosie, la Guerrera con Diabetes Tipo 1, Va a un Campamento de Verano de Diabetes" es el segundo libro de la serie "Rosie se Convierte en una Guerrera". En esta historia, tú y tu hijo conocerán cómo Rosie y sus padres están enfrentando su diagnóstico reciente de diabetes tipo 1, la ansiedad de ir a un campamento de verano de diabetes, los beneficios de ir a un campamento de verano de diabetes y la importancia de formar conexiones con otras personas que entienden por lo que estás pasando.

En este caso, Rosie conoce a otros niños con diabetes tipo 1 que la ayudan a sentirse empoderada meses después de su diagnóstico.

Este libro pretende servir de recurso y herramienta de apoyo para los padres de niños con diabetes tipo 1, para los niños con diabetes tipo 1, para los profesores y los salones de clase de todo el mundo y para cualquier persona que quiera aprender sobre los desafíos únicos de cada persona! Espero que esta serie ayude a cualquier persona que se esté enfrentando a un gran reto en la vida a encontrar el lado positivo y a sentirse empoderado.

Creo que aprender sobre condiciones o experiencias con las que no tenemos conexión directa ayuda a crear un mundo más empático, comprensivo y compasivo. La historia de Rosie representa sólo su experiencia. Todas las personas con diabetes vienen de entornos diferentes y tienen retos y experiencias únicas. La historia de Rosie no pretende representar a todas las personas con diabetes. Sólo pretende servir de ejemplo de lo que puede vivir un niño con tipo 1.

Este libro no está afiliado a ninguna organización de diabetes, aunque te animo a que investigues las muchas y maravillosas organizaciones que existen para aprender aún más sobre cómo es vivir con cualquier tipo de diabetes.

ACLARACIONES:

El nombre del campamento dentro de esta historia es ficticio. Ninguna de las referencias médicas de este libro debe tomarse seriamente sin consultar a tu médico. Confía siempre en un profesional de la salud a la hora de tomar decisiones médicas. Aunque la autora es una persona con diabetes tipo 1, no es un profesional de la salud y, por lo tanto, no es una autoridad ni es responsable de emitir ninguna orientación médica. La terminología a la que se hace referencia en este libro se ha redactado cuidadosamente gracias al conocimiento personal que la autora ha adquirido al vivir con diabetes tipo 1 durante casi dos décadas. Cualquier terminología a la que se haga referencia en este libro debe consultarse y aclararse siempre con tu proveedor de atención médica. Por favor, plantéale tus preguntas a ellos. Aunque la autora está aquí para ofrecer apoyo moral y entendimiento, no es una profesional de la salud y no puede dar consejos médicos.