Resources
Recommended Reading
Many of these books can be checked out from the Family Resource Center at Seattle Children’s or found at your local library or bookstore. Here, we’ve provided links to Amazon.com and organizations that will help you obtain a book.
Books for Children
Chemo, craziness & comfort: My book about childhood cancer by Nancy Keene
A book for children 6 to 12 years old about understanding cancer and its treatment. It talks about your healthy body, your body with cancer, the hospital, tests, treatments and side effects. Also, it talks about the importance of family and friends and life after cancer. It includes a sample cancer journal, hospital packing list and a list of additional resources.
Kathy’s Hats: A Story of Hope by Trudy Krisher
The story of a young girl’s experience with cancer and chemotherapy.
Me and My Marrow: A Kid’s Guide to Bone Marrow Transplants by Karen Crowe
This book explains what bone marrow is and what happens during a transplant.
Oliver’s Story: For ‘Sibs’ of Kids with Cancer by Michael Dodd
Oliver tells his story about life after finding out his sister has cancer. It is written for 3- to 8-year-old siblings.
Taking Cancer to School by Cynthia Henry
Max, a boy living with leukemia, shares his experience of living with cancer. The book includes resources and tips for teachers.
What Is Cancer Anyway? Explaining Cancer of Children of All Ages by Karen L. Carney
This book provides basic information that is essential when someone in the family has cancer, and does so in a calm, clear, reassuring manner that children and adults will appreciate.
Why, Charlie Brown, Why? A Story About What Happens When a Friend Is Very Ill by Charles M. Schulz
This is a story about a child dealing with great challenges and profound questions. When young Janice is diagnosed with leukemia, Charlie Brown looks for answers, Linus becomes her protector, Lucy doesn’t understand, Snoopy dons his “World’s Greatest Surgeon” togs and the whole gang does some soul searching.
Books for Teens
The C-Word: Teenagers and Their Families Living with Cancer by Elena Dorfman
The stories of four teenagers and their families living and coping with cancer.
Fighting Chance: Journeys Through Childhood Cancer by Harry Connolly, Tom Clancy, Curt I. Civin
This photo-documentary follows three children from different backgrounds suddenly united by cancer.
Teenagers Face to Face with Cancer by Karen Gravelle, Bertram A. John
Sixteen young people describe their experiences with cancer and how they deal with family, friends and school.
Books for Adults
Bone Marrow and Stem Cell Transplants: A Guide for Patients by Susan Stewart
Aimed at adult patients, this is a useful guide for parents and other family members who want to learn about the process.
Childhood Brain and Spinal Cord Tumors: A Guide for Families, Friends and Caregivers by Tania Shiminski-Maher, Patsy Cullen, Maria Sansalone
This guide covers how to understand the diagnosis and treatment, how to cope with side effects and where to find emotional support.
Childhood Cancer: A Handbook from St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital by R. Grant Steen, Joseph Mirro
This resource guide for parents and professionals provides information on testing, treatment, clinical trials and the emotional needs of children with cancer.
Childhood Cancer: A Parent's Guide to Solid Tumor Cancers, 2nd Edition by Honna Janes-Hodder and Nancy Keene
This guide talks about diagnosis, treatment and coping with solid tumor cancers.
Childhood Cancer Survivors: A Practical Guide to Your Future by Nancy Keene, Wendy Hobbie, Kathy Ruccione and Giulio J D’Angio
Information about effects from treatment, emotional aspects of surviving cancer, follow-up care and lifestyle choices to maximize health.
Childhood Leukemia: A Guide for Families, Friends and Caregivers by Nancy Keene
This complete guide offers practical advice for coping with procedures, hospital stays, and social, emotional and financial problems that relate to cancer.
Educating the Child with Cancer: A Guide for Parents and Teachers by Nancy Keene
This guide covers issues during and after treatment, advocacy and other special issues surrounding childhood cancer and school.
Informed Decisions: The Complete Book of Cancer Diagnosis, Treatment and Recovery by Gerald Murphy
A complete user-friendly guide from the American Cancer Society.
Living with Childhood Cancer: A Practical Guide to Help Families Cope by Leigh Woznick, Carol Goodheart
Emotional guidance and practical advice for families coping with cancer from a mother-daughter team, based on their own family’s experience.