"Sick bay is about the size of a child's bedroom. There's a single bed that nobody ever wants to lie on because it's hard to imagine the sheets are changed very often and what if the kid who used it before you had gastro and vomited on the pillows? And there's a pair of armchairs that are too brightly covered in red-and-yellow-patterned vinyl, like they've been stolen from the children's hospital where all the furniture is primary coloured to lift the mood of the patients."
Sick bay is where Meg feels safe. She retreats there when things get tough at school. The office lady is kind and without any discussion allows Meg to stay in the sick bay room. The office lady also gives food to Meg, again without any discussion or interrogation. It is clear Meg needs safety and food but why? Riley also ends up in sick bay but it is the last place she wants to be. Riley has diabetes but what Riley wants is to fit in - to feel "normal".
Meg and Riley are the alternating voices in this book. Each girl has issues to deal with. Meg's mum has withdrawn from life following the death of her husband. There is no money for food and Meg now wears slippers to school because there is also no money for new shoes. Riley is trying to fit in at this new school. She needs her new group of "friends" to accept her and to perhaps understand some of the difficulties and constraints of living with diabetes. Issues her mother will not let her forget.
The life struggles for these two Grade Six girls are very real but at the heart of this book is the need for friendship. I read Sick Bay in one sitting because I was so desperately hoping Nova Weetman would find a way for Meg and Riley to become friends. At times I thought this was impossible especially when Riley is so terribly cruel to Meg.
"Oh look, Riley, I was right. It is Slipper Girl. How you doing, SG?'
I've been wearing slippers for over a week now, although until Riley commented on them in the locker area last week, the rest of grade six seemed not to have noticed. She must have told Lina about the nickname. I knew it was only a matter of time.
Riley's broken the allegiance rule of Sick Bay, and it makes my shoulders tense up, so I focus on Lina. 'I faring somewhat better than you are, I'd say.' ... Lina thrives on fear. She's like a tiger patrolling the schoolyard, sniffing out prey."
This is also a book that celebrates courage. The most powerful scenes in this book come during the Birthday pool party which Lina hosts at a posh hotel. Riley wants to attend but eating quantities of junk food and more importantly, taking a swim in the hotel pool, could be life threatening for her.
There were two aspects of this book that I really appreciated. Firstly, anyone reading this book will learn a lot about diabetes but at no time did it feel as though Nova Weetman had this as her agenda. It is estimated 1 in every 430-530 children under 19 have Type 1 diabetes. I know I have taught at least four children over my 30+ years in various schools although none had it quite as severely has Meg. The second 'topic' in this book is depression and anxiety. Again these topics are handled sensitively and in the context of the story.
Here are an excellent set of detailed teachers notes from the Publisher Website.
I remember enjoying The Secrets we keep also by Nova Weetman which also explores the issue of mental illness in a parent. I would follow Sick Bay with Wish upon a Unicorn by Karen Hesse, Paper Things by Jennifer Richard Jacobson and Absolutely Almost by Lisa Graff.
I am going to make one of my predictions that Sick Bay will be nominated for our CBCA awards in 2020 and I am fairly sure it will also make the final six on the short list. Yes it is THAT good! This book is perfect for Grade Six students, especially girls, as they navigate the end of Primary school and work through the issues of good and bad friendships.
Click on these review quotes for more plot details.
The writing is superb, alternating between each girl’s point of view, drawing you in as more and more of their lives and challenges are revealed. StoryLinks
An uplifting, multi layered story that will resonate with readers and stay with them long after the last page is read. Reading Time
The plot is gritty, complex and so, so real. This is the kind of book kids can really see themselves in. They will connect with the struggles, understand the challenges and relate to the characters on a deep, deep level. Kids Book Review
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