Breast Cancer Don Nardo. Lucent Books, San Diego, CA. 2001.

Provides comprehensive and current breast cancer information, and features a glossary, works consulted, suggested further reading and web addresses. <back to top>

Purchase from Amazon.com

Ida B…and Her Plans to Maximize Fun, Avoid Disaster, and (Possibly) Save the World Katherine Hannigan. Greenwillow Books, New York. 2004.

Ida B. is an imaginative, home schooled 10-year-old who will surprise young readers by regularly communicating with the trees and brook on her Daddy’s land. She is so engaging that children will identify with her world going ‘topsy-turvy’when her Momma is diagnosed with breast cancer. Ida B. chooses to turn her heart to stone in response to the many changes in her household. She discovers slowly, and against her wishes, that support, friendship and love surround her, making for an environment in which it is safe to soften her hardened heart. Quite wonderful. <back to top>

Purchase from Amazon.com

Melanie Martin Goes Dutch Carol Weston. Alfred A. Knopf, New York. 2002.

Ten-year-old Melanie chronicles a summer highlight: her trip to Amsterdam with family and best friend Cecily, whose divorced mom is having breast surgery. Cecily's questions and fears are addressed by Melanie's mom. Strongly interwoven is the impact of Melanie's reading of Anne Frank's diary. The greater focus on fifth grade humor helps the cancer information slide down easily. <back to top>

Purchase from Amazon.com

Our Family Has Cancer, Too! Christine Clifford. Pfeifer-Hamilton Publishers, Duluth, MN. 1998.

Perfect for a reluctant reader, this 54-page book written from the perspective of an eleven-year-old boy has a cartoon illustration on almost every other page. It chronicles the diagnosis through treatment journey in an upbeat and accurate way. Parents' notes and a few pages for children to fill in also add value. <back to top>

Purchase from Amazon.com

Sky Memories Pat Brisson. Delacorte Press, New York. 1999.

Emily, age 10, alternates between focusing on regular life and worrying about her mom's health and her own future. Aunt Vicki assumes custody and greatly helps Emily with the aftermath of her mom's death. Wendell Minor beautifully illustrates this longer, poignant book. It would be best used as a read-aloud for a child whose mother is currently terminally ill. <back to top>

Purchase from Amazon.com

The Year My Mother Was Bald Ann Speltz. Magination Press, Washington DC. 2003.

Feelings are the focus of Clare's journal—a monthly scrapbook of her experiences while her mom was diagnosed, treated, and recovered from breast cancer. "Kids Science News" pages include accurate and clear background information on cancer cells, surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation. Charmingly illustrated and highly recommended for ages 8 - 13. Includes 10 pages of resources. <back to top>

Purchase from Amazon.com

You and an Illness in Your Family Tabitha Wainright. Rosen Publishing Group, New York. 2001.

Wainwright has written reassuringly for a middle or high school aged audience. The emphasis is on reaching out and talking to others about feelings in order to gain understanding and have needs met. Many color photographs show youth of different ages, sexes, and races. Although the scope of the book is any illness in the family, it fits well the concerns of children of breast cancer patients. <back to top>

Purchase from Amazon.com