Special thanks to CLN librarians and teachers for pulling together this list for a special request from a teacher in Massachusetts.

Our Mom has Cancer
written by Abigail Ackerman and Adrienne Ackerman
American Cancer Society

Two sisters, ages eleven and thirteen, describe what it was like for them when their mother was diagnosed with breast cancer and underwent surgery and chemotherapy.

Ida B. and her plans to maximize fun, avoid disaster, and (possibly) save the world
written by Katherine Hannigan
Greenwillow

In Wisconsin, fourth-grader Ida B spends happy hours being home-schooled and playing in her family's apple orchard, until her mother begins treatment for breast cancer and her parents must sell part of the orchard and send her to public school.

The Hope Tree
written by Laura Numeroff
Simon & Schuster

The stories of a group of children, depicted as adorable animals, help families talk about the difficulties children face when one of their parents has cancer. The stories, philosophies, advice, and inspiration touch the heart of any child dealing with a mom or dad (or other loved one) with any type of cancer.

Daddy's Old Robe: a Story about a Parent's Illness
written by Shawn Alyne Strannigan
Standard Publishing

Gently told stories help assure children that they are not alone. Activity pages and suggestions for parents extend the value of this important series. Here are some suggestions for providing security and comfort to your child during difficult times.

Sky Memories
written by Pat Brisson and illustrated by Wendell Minor
Delacorte

When ten-year-old Emily learns that her mother has cancer, the two of them begin a ritual that will help Emily remember her mother after she is dead.

A Dragon in Your Heart
written by Sophie LeBlanc

When Sophie LeBlanc was diagnosed with breast cancer, she realised her five year old daughter was deeply affected by all that was happening around her. This book, with naive, child-like drawings and lots of information, was written for her. It chronicles at some length Laura's mum's fight with cancer. Laura's fears about her mum take the form of a monster who brings on terrible nightmares.

Geranium Morning
written by Sandy Powell
Carolrhoda Books

Two friends who lose parents, one suddenly in an accident and one by illness, learn to deal with their grief.

Gran-Gran's Best Trick
written by L. Dwight Holden
Magination Press

A poetic story about a young girl whose beloved grandfather battles cancer, becoming very different from the Gran-Gran who loved fishing, grew plants in old ice coolers, and took her on neighborhood "safaris." She decides to keep his memory alive by telling her little sister all about him and the things he taught her, and by doing so, learns that those we love never leave our hearts and that this is "love's best trick."

Kids Write Through It
by Fairview Press

Contains essays about young people's real experiences, and how they have used writing as a way to heal their pain and overcome the challenges they have faced. Each of these powerful stories is filled with the hope of young people who have triumphed over the hardships that life has handed them.

My Daddy & Me: a Book about Grief, for Kids, from a Kid
written by Lauren Grace Marcucci
Rebound by Sagebrush

An extraordinary book written by an eleven-year old from Shawnee Kansas about coping with the death of her father. It is a message that is insightful and inspirational. Lauren is especially good at telling young people about the grieving process - how it feels and what others can do to help support those who have suffered a profound loss.

Remembering Mama
written by Dara Dokas and illustrated by Angela L. Chostner
Augsburg Fortress Publishers

A young child works through her grief by remembering her mother.

Sad But O.K.: My Daddy Died Today: a Child's View of Death
written by Barbara Frisbie Juneau
Blue Dolphin Publishing

Through the eyes of her nine-year-old daughter, the author shares the events that befell her family during the time the author's husband was faced with a terminal brain tumor.

A Pillow for My Mom
written by Charissa Squoros and illustrated by Christine Ross
Houghton Mufflin Company

A girl misses her mother, who is sick in the hospital.

Waiting to Sing
written by Howard Kaplan and illustrated by Herve Blondon
DK Publishing

A family that loves music and spends many hours at the piano is devastated by the death of the mother, but those still living find consolation in the beautiful music that also remains.

The Tenth Good Thing About Barney
written by Erik Blegvad
Atheneum Books

A sensitive and straightforward story of how a family handles the death of a beloved cat, Barney.

When Dinosaurs Die: a Guide to Understanding Death
written by Laura Kransy Brown and Marc Brown
Little Brown and Company

Explains in simple language the feelings people may have regarding the death of a loved one and the ways to honor the memory of someone who has died.

Are You Tired Again...? I Understand: an Activities Book to Help Children Understand and Live with a Person who has a Chronic Illness or Disability
written Marilyn Weisberg Deutsch and illustrated by Gary Cangemi
Western Psychological Services

This reassuring activity and coloring book is for children with a chronically ill parent—children who often feel guilty, neglected, lonely, helpless, and afraid. It gives these youngsters the tools they need to work through their feelings, while gently explaining why mom isn’t getting better, why she’s always tired, and how the family can still enjoy life and function as a family.