The Year My Mother Was Bald 

Ann Speltz and Kate Sternberg 

"So begins Clare's journal about the year her mother undergoes treatment for cancer. A scrapbook filled with drawings, photos, medical clippings, and resources, the book offers a wealth of information about the illness, its diagnosis, and treatment. And more, through heart-warming tales of her family's journey, Clare describes many new-found strengths and inadvertent joys, and gives reassuring voice to the feelings and questions of all young people who may be walking in her shoes". Ages 8-13 

Speltz takes a scary topic and turns it into a learning experience. Organized around a specific time frame, this book demonstrates that there is progression throughout diagnosis and treatment. It illustrates the questions a child may have during a parent's battle with cancer, explains confusing medical terms, and presents them in a way that children can hear and understand. 

Upside Down and Backwards: A Sibling's Journey Through Cancer

Julie Greves, Katy Tenhulzen, and Fred Wilkinson

"...When Bryce's sister Paige is diagnosed with cancer, is his life becomes one of the craziest roller coasters he would ever ride. His parents are suddenly distracted and stressed. It seems like Paige always gets her way. He has trouble keeping up with the school. He misses out on time with his friends. And he worries about Paige. Will his family ever get back to normal? With the help of his family, friends, and support group, Bryce starts to feel steadier and not so out of control. Together with his family, he gets through the ups, downs, twists, and flips of cancer." Ages 8-13

If you have a child diagnosed with cancer, we would encourage that their siblings get a copy of this book. In an informal, creative and non-clinical way, it offers a glimpse into how sibling's are feeling, reacting, and processing their brother or sister's cancer diagnosis. Perfect for older kids and young teens, this is a good starting point for kids and parents to open up conversation about cancer. 

A Monster Calls

Patrick Ness

"At seven minutes past midnight, thirteen-year-old Conor wakes to find a monster outside his bedroom window. But it isn't the monster Conor's been expecting- he's been expecting the one from his nightmare, the nightmare he's had nearly every night since his mother started her treatments. The monster in his backyard is different. It's ancient. And wild. And it wants something from Conor. Something terrible and dangerous. It wants the truth. From the final idea of award-winning author Siobhan Dowd- whose premature death from cancer prevented her from writing it herself- Patrick Ness has spun a haunting and darkly funny novel of mischief, loss, and monsters both real and imagined." Ages 12+ 

This is a beautifully written fiction piece that can spur great dialogue among kids, teens, parents, or adults about cancer and the emotional toll it takes on a family. Recently made into a movie, it will spark your interest and creativity about this metaphorical monster that's consuming Conor, as well as open up room for questions about cancer diagnosis, treatment, and beyond.

The Fault in Our Stars

John Green

"Despite the tumor-shrinking medical miracle that has bought her a few years, Hazel has never been anything but terminal, her final chapter inscribed upon diagnosis. But when a gorgeous plot twist named Augustus Waters suddenly appears at Cancer Kid Support Group, Hazel’s story is about to be completely rewritten." Ages 14+

Though a romantic novel, The Fault in Our Stars offers a view into the life of two teens with cancer, and how it impacts their day to day lives, their families, their plans, and their relationships. This is an entertaining and emotional book that can give an unique perspective and introduction to the topic of cancer.

My Parent Has Cancer and It Really Sucks

Maya Silver and Marc Silver

"First, know that there are an estimated 1 million other teenagers with a parent who has cancer. And they want to help you get through it. Because you will get through it. How do you talk to your parents about it? How do you deal with friends when they give you "pity eyes"? Id it awful if you're more concerned about prom and college? (Answer: no) What do you tell the school? What does chemotherapy mean? What are the best ways to de-stress? Here you'll find advice from over 100 teens and experts who have all been there. Sure, cancer sucks. But it sucks a lot less when you have help. Includes a section for parents too!" Ages 12+

Great for teens looking for emotional encouragement from someone other than clinicians or family members, this is an honest and supportive book to give to your teen to help them process a cancer diagnosis. Discussing the concepts and tools in this book while they're reading it, or afterwards, will make for healthy conversations going forward on their journey to supporting loved ones with cancer.