15 Children's Books About Cancer To Help Them Cope (2024)

FAQs

What is the children's book about having cancer? ›

“Butterfly Kisses and Wishes on Wings,” by Ellen McVicker, gives a thorough but child-friendly explanation of what cancer is. It also addresses common questions children might have. "The Lemonade Club" is based on the true story of a young girl whose friend and beloved teacher both have cancer.

The Cancer That Wouldn't Go Away is a ground-breaking book, written especially for the child whose parent is living with metastatic cancer. This sensitively written tale uses a gentle, yet realistic approach to help children ages 4-8 face the unique uncertainties of life with incurable cancer.

Seek out support groups for children with cancer. Find ones at your hospital, in your community or even online. It helps when they can connect with others their age facing the same journey. Encourage play, even during difficult days.

In general, kids with cancer have an increased need for protein, carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals, and healthy fats. Protein helps the body grow, repair tissues, build blood cells, and replenish the immune system.

A stunning cancer diagnosis spurs Abbie to seek a future girlfriend for fiancé and childhood sweetheart Sam, who's clueless when it comes to dating. Watch all you want.

Battling terminal cancer, a woman writes a one of a kind notebook about life, death and love for her son to remember her by. Based on a true story. Watch all you want.

The Gunthers divorced in 1944. In 1947, their beloved son Johnny died after a long, heartbreaking fight with brain cancer. Gunther wrote his classic memoir Death Be Not Proud, published in 1949, to commemorate the courage and spirit of this extraordinary boy.

What is the rarest childhood cancer? ›

Rare cancers in children make up fewer than 1 in 30 of all childhood cancers and can broadly be grouped as: rare cancers that only affect children, such as pancreatoblastoma, malignant rhabdoid tumours, pleuropulmonary blastomas and melanotic neuroectodermal tumours of infancy.

“It's hard to keep cancer a secret,” Doyle says. “Your kids probably already know something's wrong, so it's best that they hear it from you.” In the early days after your diagnosis, things may be more unsettled. So, it's important to stick to a routine and let your kids know how your treatment will affect them.

Simple, direct words are best. Choose a time to talk when you're feeling calm. Be clear and direct and open to talking about cancer. Don't create a feeling that cancer should be a secret.

You need time to vent, to feel sad, and to be happy. Try to let your parents know how you feel—even if you have to start the conversation. Learning about cancer will help you understand what your parent is going through. Knowing more about cancer and how it's treated can take some of the fear away.

It can be difficult for children with cancer to continue with social activities with their family and friends, particularly when time is spent away from home. This can lead to poorly developed interpersonal skills, feeling isolated, and can be a cause of low self-esteem ⁴.

Offer words of hope and optimism for the future, reassuring the child that they are not alone in their fight. You might write, “Remember that so many people care about you and are here to support you every step of the way. We're all rooting for you to get better soon.”

You are likely to experience a wide range of emotions from the time your child is diagnosed with cancer, throughout treatment and beyond. These emotions may include shock, denial, fear, anger, guilt and sadness. You may feel that life for your child and family will never be the same. Allow yourself to feel sad.

They may cope in ways that are difficult for you to understand or deal with. Some teenagers may refuse to talk about the illness. Others may try to become closer to their parents. Some may get angry with you or your partner in ways that seem thoughtless.