Recommended books for parents with breast cancer

“When A Parent Has Cancer A Guide to Caring for Your Children” by Wendy Harpham

At some point in life, many of us will face the challenge of an unexpected illness. For parents, the fear, anxiety, and confusion that come with a cancer diagnosis can be especially overwhelming.

When A Parent Has Cancer is a heartfelt guide for families, written by Dr. Wendy Harpham—a mother, physician, and cancer survivor.

Although most of the book deals with caring for children under the age of 10, there is a chapter on teenagers.

Appendices include a glossary that children can understand, a list of resources and support groups, and a bibliography for children and parents.

Dr. Harpham provides clear, compassionate, and practical advice to parents coping with the immense task of raising children while managing a potentially life-threatening diagnosis.

Dr. Harpham offers concrete strategies for supporting children through the various stages of a parent’s illness, including diagnosis, treatment, remission, recovery, and, if necessary, confronting the possibility of death. She emphasizes the importance of being honest with children about the seriousness of the illness while reassuring them that their essential needs will always be met.

The book also includes Becky and the Worry Cup, an illustrated story that follows a 7-year-old girl’s experience with her mother’s cancer.

This book is intended for children ages five to nine.

"Nowhere Hair" by Sue Glader

This book is intended for children ages four to eight.

A tender, uplifting story about a mother who loses her hair during cancer treatment. The book explains cancer and hair loss from chemo in a way that children can understand while reassuring them that their parent’s love and strength remain unchanged.

"The Goodbye Cancer Garden" by Janna Matthies

This book is intended for children ages four to eight.

It tells the story of a family who plants a garden as a way to help cope with the mother’s breast cancer diagnosis. It offers hope and healing through the metaphor of growth and renewal.

"Mom and the Polka-Dot Boo-Boo" by Eileen Sutherland

Written in simple language for younger children. It could be read to children ages four to eight.

This book explains what happens when a mother is diagnosed with breast cancer and reassures children that even though their mom might look different, she is still the same person.

"My Mom Has Cancer" by Jennifer Moore-Mallinos

This book is intended for children ages four to eight.

It provides a straightforward explanation of what happens when a mother has cancer and emphasizes how children can talk about their fears and concerns.

(English and Spanish editions)

"Our Family Has Cancer, Too!" by Christine Clifford

This book is intended for children ages four to eight.

It shares the perspective of two siblings, Tim and Molly, whose mom has been diagnosed with cancer. It helps children understand the situation while offering hope and reassurance.

Complete with a glossary, Our Family Has Cancer, Too! provides a way for families to share their feelings about cancer and find answers to common questions children may have, such as: What is cancer? How will our family change? What is treatment like? How long will this journey last? What should I tell my friends?

Most importantly, Our Family Has Cancer, Too! shows families how to find joy and laugh together through challenging times.

Christine Clifford, author of Not Now... I'm Having a No Hair Day, the first book to bring hope and humor to cancer patients, breaks new ground again with Our Family Has Cancer, Too!. With the help of her son, Tim, Christine explores the challenges families face when cancer becomes part of their lives.

"How Do You Care for a Very Sick Bear?” by Vanessa Bayer

This story is designed for kids ages two to six.

After recovering from teenage leukemia, "Saturday Night Live" star Vanessa Bayer wrote How Do You Care for a Very Sick Bear? to help children understand how to support someone going through cancer treatment.

"When Someone You Love Has Cancer: A Guide to Help Kids Cope" by Alaric Lewis

A comforting guide designed to help children ages five to twelve understand cancer, this book encourages kids to ask questions and express their feelings as they navigate their emotions.

Few things impact a family's daily life as much as dealing with an illness like cancer. Whether it's affecting a grandparent, a relative, a teacher, a neighbor, or a friend, children can experience confusion, fear, and misunderstanding. This book is designed to help kids navigate the presence of cancer in their lives. It features 14 beautiful, full-colour illustrations and approximately 40 practical tips tailored specifically for children aged four to twelve. It's a unique and valuable resource!

"The Year My Mother Was Bald" by Ann Speltz

Written for children ages eight to thirteen as a diary by a young girl, this book explores how her mother’s battle with cancer impacts her life. It’s a helpful tool for older children who want a more detailed understanding of what’s happening.

“This is the story of the year my mother lost her hair, starting in June” is the beginning of Clare's journal chronicling the year her mother undergoes cancer treatment. The book serves as a scrapbook, featuring drawings, photos, medical clippings, and resources that provide a wealth of information about the illness, its diagnosis, and treatment. Through touching stories of her family's journey, Clare reveals new strengths, unexpected joys, and offers a comforting voice to the feelings and questions of young people who might find themselves in similar situations.

"Hair for Mama" by Kelly A. Tinkham

This book is commended for children ages three to seven.

This heartfelt story centers around Marcus, an 8 year old boy whose mother is going through cancer treatment. Marcus wants to give his mom her hair back as a symbol of her health. This book is great for helping children process the visual changes they may see in their parent.

“You Are the Best Medicine” by Julie Aigner Clark

This book is designed for young children ages four to eight to help them understand a mother’s illness and treatment.

It communicates fundamental messages through a charming storyline. The mother in the story frequently connects her experiences to her child’s babyhood, which resonates with children who enjoy hearing stories about themselves as babies.

However, it's important to note that the book consistently suggests that the mother will recover after chemotherapy and life will return to normal. Please consider the prognosis to determine if this message aligns with your comfort level.

“Cancer Hates Kisses” by Jessica Reid Silwerski

This book is designed for young children ages three to five years old.

Author Jessica Reid Sliwerski was diagnosed with breast cancer soon after the birth of her daughter. Her book, Cancer Hates Kisses, is written from the viewpoint of a child whose mother is fighting cancer. Additionally, the book includes "A Note from a Cancer Specialist," offering advice on how to talk to young children about a parent's diagnosis.

“Our Dad is Getting Better” by Alex, Emila and Anna Rose Silver (3 children)

This book is geared for preschool children to age three.

A companion to Our Mom Is Getting Better, Our Dad Is Getting Better is written and illustrated by three children — Alex, Emily, and Anna Rose Silver — and shares their father’s journey recovering from cancer treatments. The book highlights the ongoing recovery process after chemotherapy and offers a unique perspective, especially since books focused on a father’s experience can be harder to find.

“Butterfly Kisses and Wishes on Wings” by Ellen McVicker

This book is written for children ages five to seven.

It provides a clear yet child-friendly explanation of what cancer is and addresses common questions children may have.

“The Invisible String” by Patrice Karst

This book is written for children ages one to seven.

Although not specifically about cancer, The Invisible String is a wonderful book for children to read with their loved ones during times of change, uncertainty, or when someone they care about is seriously ill. Patrice Karst’s book delivers a powerful message: no matter what happens, you are always connected to the people you love.