MOm and The Polka-Dot Boo-Boo

Eileen Sutherland and Maggie Sutherland

"Mom and the Polka-Dot Boo-Boo is an informative and reassuring story that helps families talk about breast cancer. Lovingly written by a mother of two and beautifully illustrated by her young daughter, it gently prepares children for what lies ahead in the weeks, and months following their mother's diagnosis. Sponsored by the American Cancer Society". Ages 2-5

If you are a mother affected by breast cancer with a young child at home, this book is for you. It is written so sweetly, and uses the metaphor of a b00-b00 in the mom's chest to indicate cancer. Mostly covering the emotional aspect, it is written from a child's point of view and illustrated beautifully. 

When Someone You Love Has Cancer

Alaric Lewis and R.W. Alley

"Few things affect a family's everyday life like the presence of an illness like cancer. And while adults have the ability to better understand the complexities of cancer, children experience a great amount of confusion, fear, and misunderstanding about the disease and its treatment. This book will help kids cope with the presence of cancer in their lives. May it guide them to a healthier understanding of how the disease affects their loved one, their family, and their world. May it offer- as much as possible- a little healing in the midst of sickness." Ages 4-8 

This book is a great primary resource for briefly covering certain biological concepts of cancer, as well as mental and emotional support. Reading along with your child and engaging in discussion throughout will get you the most out of this book!

When Mommy Had a Mastectomy

Nancy Reuben Greenfield and Ralph Butler

"When Mommy Had a Mastectomy reaches out to women and their families during an emotional and uncertain time in their lives. We are pleased and grateful to partner with INAMED Aesthetics in this book that addresses such a critical issue for women faced with breast surgery following cancer. With less than half of mastectomy patients seeking reconstruction, the need for education and awareness in this area is essential. INAMED Aesthetics is committed to helping women become more informed about breast cancer treatment and their options for reconstruction. A portion of the sale of this book will be donated to the Y-ME National Breast Cancer Organization and the Susan B. Komen Foundation". Ages 4-8

This book is one of the few that mentions breast cancer and mastectomies specifically. While no elaborate details are shared about the operation, the story is centered around a child adapting to her mom's new reality and need for a new special hug. Emotional and playful, this book is perfect for all moms with breast cancer who may be undergoing a mastectomy.

Hair for Mama

Kelly Tinkham and Amy June Bates

"It's family picture time for the Carters, but Mama does not want to be in the photo this year. All of her beautiful hair is gone because of chemotherapy treatments for her cancer, and she doesn't want to be remembered without hair. Eight-year-old Marcus knows that the picture won't be the same without Mama, so he comes up with a plan to find her some hair and make her better. Even though the plan doesn't work in quite the way Marcus expects, he comes to understand that hair is nice to have, but not as nice as me having Mama and Mama having me". Ages 4-8

In this book, Mama's crown of dark hair has fallen out due to chemotherapy treatments, and she doesn't want to be in the annual family picture without her beautiful hair. Eight-year-old Marcus decides to find hair for Mama so she can be in this year's family photo.  This emotional and inclusive book is great for little boys with parents affected by cancer.

Let My Colors Out

Courtney Filigenzi and Shennen Bersani

"A young boy uses color to express a range of emotions as his mother undergoes cancer treatment. Some days he's sad, some days he's happy, and other days he's scared or angry. The boy comes to realize that these "ups and downs" are perfectly normal for his situation. Sponsored by the American Cancer Society". Ages 2-5

This book is a great resource for young children of cancer patients. It represents emotions through the use of color - a wonderful way to allow kids to express their emotional moods. This books helps them understand that it's okay to let their feelings out.

Mom Has Cancer! Let's Talk About It!

Jennifer Moore-Mallinos and Marta Fabrega

"Learning that Mom has cancer can be a frightening experience for a child. The little boy in this story wonders: Is it his fault that his mother has cancer? How is life going to change for him and his family? This book encourages parents to be open and straightforward with their children when a parent is diagnosed with cancer. The parents in this story explain to their little boy that Mom will undergo chemotherapy, that disruption in the daily routine will be minor, and that all is expected to end well. At the story's conclusion, Mom is back to normal, but the child comes to understand that the cancer might return one day. This book gives children some understanding of cancer as a serious medical condition, while it also helps them work through their own anxieties and know that they can depend on their parents for emotional support." Ages 4-8

This picture book addresses the misconception that the child has something to do with their parent's or loved one's cancer. It also explains the change in routine and chemotherapy side effects and is a good starting point for anyone with a small child from preschool to early elementary.

Our Dad is Getting Better

Alex, Emily, and Anna Rose Silver

"The children of this nation's 10 million cancer survivors, whose lives- just like those of their parents- have been seriously disrupted and forever altered by cancer by cancer, need thoughtful and engaging books that will help them in the survivorship phase. This is exactly what Our Dad is Getting Better does. This book focuses on what survivors and their families need to hear: a message of hope and healing. Sponsored by the American Cancer Society". Ages 4-8

Specifically a book geared towards children who have a father with cancer, this book is unique in that it is one of the only children's books about cancer with a father figure. Written and illustrated by children whose own mother is a survivor, the story is told through the powerful point of view of the child. With the tone of hope and survivorship, this book is perfect for any family with a male role model who is in remission.

Our Mom Has Cancer

Abigail and Adrienne Ackermann

“Abigail and Adrienne Ackermann live in Maryland with their mom and dad, older brother and sister, pet dog, and rabbit. They wanted to write this book to share their experience with other children. Sponsored by the American Cancer Society”. Ages 4-8

Written by children for children, it answers the questions that kids want to know, and lets children know what to expect when a parent has cancer. Focusing much on the loss of hair following chemotherapy treatment, and even including a song, this book highlights some of the emotions behind a family dealing with cancer. The girls wrote an excellent book that introduces the concepts of cancer and its treatment, and provides hope for the future.

Nowhere Hair

Sue Glader and Edith Buenen

"Nowhere Hair provides a great starting place for talking to children about cancer. It has just the right tone and provides comfort and solace- to the young and the not so young! Who should read this book? Every child of every mother and grandmother going through chemotherapy. It will build empathy in young children and help them relate through beautiful and touching illustrations". Ages 5-8

A rhyming book used to explain that although Mom's hair has fallen out, she is still just as fun and herself as always. Wonderfully illustrated and geared towards young children coping with their mom's new look, this is a must read.

When Your Teacher Has Cancer: Helping Children Cope In the Classroom and Beyond 

Maryann Makekau and Amaryllis Sanchez Wohlever, MD

"The American Academy of Pediatrics and the American Cancer Society both agree that children should be told when a loved one is diagnosed with cancer. The truth should not be hidden from children, and yet it must be told to them in a way that they can relate. When your teacher has cancer provides an honest look at cancer, while giving students a voice- so they too can understand, ask their own questions and become courageous companions through their reacher's journey of healing." Ages 7+ 

For kids of elementary age, this book glazes over biological topics of cancer, but delves deep into changes in appearance, routine, and emotional support. Rooted in Christian faith, its a great book for children with teachers diagnosed with cancer. Includes a section on coping strategies and advice for teachers!

What's Up with Jo? Medikidz Explain Brain Tumors

Kim Chilman-Blair and John Taddeo

"Hi, we're the Medikidz, superheroes from the planet Mediland, a world shaped just like the human body. We're here to help you and Jo understand brain tumors. But not in a boring way. Oh, no. We'll blend fun with facts, so you can quickly and easily understand what's happening to you. Then you can take control and fight back! We know you can do it! So what are you waiting for? Sponsored by the American Cancer Society". Ages 12+

In this graphic novel, the Medikidz help readers and character Jo to understand brain tumors in an exciting yet scientific way. They go over basic biology and explore how cancer functions. This is a great book for preteens-teens with either their own brain tumor diagnosis, or someone they love's.

Our Family Has Cancer, Too!

Christine Clifford and Jack Lindstrom

"Our Family Has Cancer, Too! offers an opportunity for you and your family to share feelings with each other about cancer and to learn the answers to the questions most kids have: What is cancer? What changes will happen to our family? What are the treatments like? How long will it take to get through the cancer experience? What do I tell my friends? But most importantly, Our Family Has Cancer, Too! teaches you how to laugh together!" Ages 9-11

This interactive book is suitable for the the whole family to sit down and read together. Written in the engaging and interesting perspective of a child, this book takes you from the diagnosis all the way to treatment and everything in between, focusing on feelings and family routine and interaction. It also has tips and notes for parents to encourage dialogue as a family, as well as a glossary. 

Nana, What's Cancer?

Beverlye Hyman Fead, Tessa Mae Hamermesh, and Shennen Bersani

"Cancer is a family disease. When a loved one has cancer, children especially may feel many emotions- sadness, loneliness, and fear. Mostly, they have lots of questions. They want someone to explain cancer to them, but they don't know how to begin. They wonder if their loved one will want to talk about it. Beverlye Hyman Fead, a cancer survivor, and her granddaughter, Tessa Mae Hamermesh, needed to talk about cancer and what it meant to their family. One day over cookies and tea, Tess decided to ask the question, "Nana, what actually is cancer?" That led to other questions and, over time, to a meaningful, thoughtful, and healing conversation. Then, she thought, wouldn't it be a good thing to share what she had learned with other children? And that is how this book began. Sponsored by the American Cancer Society". Ages 5-12

This is a book about a 10-year-old girl named Tessa who is seeking to understand more about cancer and how it impacts her family. Tessa's fears are eased and she learns accurate information by asking her Nana all about cancer. Perfect for all families with young children struggling with talk about this disease.