Suggested books: Family illness/disability for children

Promises
Elizabeth Winthrop
(Sarah learns about treatment, hospitals, hair loss and that mom keeps promises for celebrations)

When Mom or Dad has Cancer (Ages 5 - 10)
American Cancer Society
(Free) Call 1-952-925-2772
(Small booklet about a boy whose dad has leukemia. At the doctor's office he meets other kids
whose parents have cancer - informative and sensitive.)

When Mommy is Sick
Ferne Sherkin-Langer
(Support from many who care during a young child's experience of her mother's illness)

Mommy Stayed in Bed This Morning
Mary Wenger Weaver
(David and his family deal with Mom's depression)

Our Mom Has Cancer
by Adrienne Ackerman, Abagail Ackerman
(Picture book for young children)

Tickles Tabitha's Cancer-tankerous Mommy
by amelia Frahm, Elizabeth Schultz
(Humurous book about family life and sensitive portrayal of a parent with cancer. Picture book)

The Hope Tree: Kids Talk About Cancer
by Wendy Schlessel Harpham
(ages 4 - 8. Animal children form a support group to talk about moms with breast cancer, 
scary emotions, the medical team and looking for good things among the bad.)

Now One Foot, Now The Other (fiction) (Ages 4 - 10)
by Tomie de Paola, 1981
(Bobby's grandpa has a stroke - the child learns to return care and compassion.)

Can I Still Kiss You: Answering Your Children's Questions About Cancer
by Neil Russell
(Informative narrative and interactive journal by a father of two, diagnosed at age 47.)
 
When a Parent Is Very Sick   out of print, check libraries
by Eda LeShan
(Very readable. Emphasizes feelings are natural but children need not feel helpless. How to ask for information, how to understand feelings and people, how to keep loving and growing.)

Coping When a Parent Has AIDS
by Barbara Hermie Draimin
(Caring and to the point, prepares reader for changes and problems to be faced during and after a parent's illness.)

Sammy's Mommy Has Cancer
by Sherry Kohlenberg
(Sensitive story of whole family's ups and downs when someone is sick.)

Losing Uncle Tim (fiction)
by Mary Kaye Jorden
(Daniel's favorite uncle has AIDS - Daniel visits right up to death.)

When Someone Has a Very Serious Illness - Workbook
by Marge Heegaard
(Workbook which encourages a child to draw feelings and impressions of the family situation)

What About Me? When Brothers and Sisters Get Sick
by Allan Peterkin, 1992
(Children's nonfiction - Laura's story plus suggestions to parents)

When Eric's Mom Fought Cancer out of print, check libraries
by Judith Vigna, 1993
(Junior fiction - dad helps a young boy deal with mom's breast cancer.)

When Mommy Is Sick
by Ferne Dherkin Langer
(A realistic and supportive book about hospitals and sick-in-bed at home.)



Compiled by Judy Young, M.Ed., Grief Counselor, Allina Hospitals and Clinics
Phone: 651-241-4026

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Allina Grief Resources
651-628-1752