At The End of Words Miriam Stone. Candlewick, Cambridge, MA. 2003.

A brutally frank tale from a high school senior as her mother declines and dies from metastatic breast cancer. Beautifully written poetry, prose and letters are structured into a seasonal and monthly chronicle of denial, loss, and healing. Gives insight into the impact of mom's illness and death, as well as hope, to older teens or their parents. <back to top>

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Both Sides Now Ruth Pennebaker. Henry Holt & Co., New York. 2000.

Fifteen-year-old Lisa finds that her illusion of control over her life is shattered by her mother's breast cancer. Told in two voices, that of Lisa and her mother, this story is dramatic and very real. Highly recommended for teens. <back to top>

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Breast Cancer: Questions and Answers for Young Women Carole Vogel. Twenty-First Century Books, Brookfield, CT. 2001.

Excellent question and answer presentation of breast and breast cancer information. Chapters on "Coping When a Mother Has Breast Cancer" and "Coping if the Battle is Lost" will be very helpful to young women with affected moms. <back to top>

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Cancer Oliver Gillie. Heinemann Library, Chicago, Il. 2004.

This title is succinct, informative, and upbeat nonfiction which encompasses all types of cancer, history, diagnosis, causes, treatment, emotions, research, and personal stories. A bright, colorful layout, web resources, further reading, and a glossary make this book a good choice for a child who wants, “Just the facts.” <back to top>

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Cancer Information for Teens Wilma R. Caldwell. Omnigraphics, Detroit, MI. 2004.

Although intended for the teen with cancer, children of cancer patients will find a lot of helpful information here. Detection, diagnosis, and treatment are thoroughly discussed. Three chapters cover when a family member has cancer, and another three provide superb material, including a guide to evaluating internet sources.

Excellent list of books, journals, and websites are included. Perfect for teens that want to explore and learn on their own. <back to top>

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Dancing Through the Shadows Theresa Tomlinson. DK Ink, New York. 1997.

Realistically relates the breast cancer journey as it impacts a family in England. Ellen, a sixteen-year-old dancer, narrates. She communicates well with family and finds support through friends and a teacher later revealed to be a survivor. Factual explanations are incorporated smoothly into the story, along with lots of British idiom. <back to top>

Less Than Perfect Loise Albert. Holiday House, New York, NY. 2003.

Fifteen-year-old Laura becomes friends with Paul just as her mother is diagnosed with breast cancer. Responding to this change with anger and distance, she finds comfort in Paul’s family. Dramatic tension is provided by heart disease in Paul’s family, his move to Arizona, and subsequent silence. Resolution is rather neat and tidy, but this story would prove reassuring for a worried reader. For a mature chapter book reader or a younger YA. <back to top>

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Loose Threads Lorie Ann Grover. Margaret K. McElderry Books, New York. 2002.

An unusual household: great grandmother, grandmother, mother, and the author, who writes in free verse of her grandmother's diagnosis, treatment, decline, and death. Her seventh grade voice gives a window into her powerful emotions, alternating with normal middle school age life. Provides insight to parents and a sense of "I am not alone" to children. <back to top>

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Under the Wolf, Under the Dog Adam Rapp. Candlewick Press, Cambridge. 2004.

What happens to Steve Nugent, age 18, after his mother dies of breast cancer will horrify every parent-cell in your body. This journal is written as an assignment by a counselor at Burnstone Grove, where Steve is somewhere between a Red Grouper (junkies) and a Blue Grouper (suicides). Readers will feel an incredible relief when they find the list he leaves on the last page. It begins with “1. People are born and people die.” And ends with “10. You have to deal with stuff on your own and that’s all there is to it.” Teens will love it, but previewing this book first will help make sure that parents feel comfortable with the content. <back to top>

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