CDC novel for tweens to prevent diabetes

A novel tied to the Eagle Books series and geared for U.S. middle schoolers explains a healthy lifestyle can help prevent type 2 diabetes, officials say. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's Division of Diabetes Translation said the novel "Coyote and the Turtle's Dream," engages tweens age 10-13 -- especially American Indians -- in learning how a healthy lifestyle can help prevent type 2 diabetes. It builds on storytelling traditions honored in the original Eagle Books series for younger children. "Animal and human characters return from the original series with an expanded list of characters that includes family memers, teachers, store owners, other residents of a small reservation town -- and an elderly box turtle," CDC officials said in a statement. "Building on the dialogue about preventing type 2 diabetes promoted in the original books, 'Coyote and the Turtle's Dream' introduces the character of Arianna, a young girl living with type 1 diabetes. The animals lead the children into a mystery/adventure, embedded with messages about healthy eating and physical activity, in which they foil the plans of a fossil poacher on their reservation." American Indians ages 10-19 are developing type 2 diabetes at higher rates than youth in other racial and ethnic groups of this age. Free copies may be ordered by via http://wwwn.cdc.gov/pubs/Diabetes.aspx or by calling 1-800-CDC-INFO. As many as 50 copies are available free to organizations that work with youth, such as schools, faith-based programs, youth clubs or camps, the CDC said.