When a Kid Like Me Fights Cancer

by Catherine Stier, Angel Chang (Illustrations)

When a young boy finds out he has cancer, he learns a lot right away. He learns that cancer is something you fight, and that cancer isn't anyone's fault―especially not his. He discovers that many things change with cancer, but some of the most important things stay the same, and everyone around him wants to help him fight.

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens, Nonfiction

32 pages, Hardcover

Published September 1, 2019

Reviews

[Jon Nakapalau · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow - really hit me hard: I pray you never have to recommend this book to anyone - but if you know a young child trying to fight cancer this book will be very much appreciated by their family. This book was really opened my eyes to how much cancer can impact the life of a child. Very impressive work on a very hard subject.

[Miss Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

An elementary and up book about a child learning about his cancer diagnosis and then begining treatment. Easy to follow.

[Michelle Farella · Rating 5 out of 5]

Totally cried.

[Anjanette]

great for parents who need to explain cancer to children

[Kaila · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic book, great message. Cancer is something you fight, but you don't fight alone.

[Ashley Newell · Rating 3 out of 5]

As the title suggests, this isn't a light book, but it is a friendly way of opening discussion with children who are experiencing cancer in their lives. It helps to verbalize and visualize what cancer is and how some people (children in this case) deal with cancer treatments. It can help children understand what is happening or may happen to them or to friends or family, and provides perspective and encouragement.
As an adult, a parent, and as a teacher, the subject of this book is probably harder for me than for the child audience, because even though the book doesn't dwell on the doom and gloom, I cannot help but imagine the worst tragedy. I did read this book with my children, not because we are dealing with this disease in our own life right now, but because it came up spontaneously as a new title.
I am rating it 3, not because it is a mediocre book, but because it isn't one that I think can be pulled out for any given story time. I wouldn't choose this for play time or before bed reading, but that's not what this book was made for. It's a conversation with pictures, it's information that isn't burdensome or scary, and so I think it is a very important book, one that should be pulled out when the time is right to have this conversation.

[Jodie Pine · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is exactly the kind of book I was looking for, to read with my special needs 6th grade son who was recently diagnosed with brain cancer. I love the author's range of addressing the hard parts as well as the parts of the child's life that can stay the same while fighting cancer. I also love the story's aspects of family togetherness and community involvement. And the ethnic representation in the illustrations is perfect.

[Ang · Rating 4 out of 5]

Summary: When a doctor says, "Cancer," it's scary. Especially for a child. There's a lot to learn, to understand, and to accept. Some things stay the same - you can still be silly, and you can still laugh. Other things are different - you will be tired, and you can't always hang out with your friends. If helps when you have the support of your family, friends, your school, and your community. You can fight cancer. -- inside book jacket

[molliekay · Rating 4 out of 5]

I usually find books that tackle tough topics to be didactic. However, this book is to the point and is very age-appropriate. The reader doesn't get bogged down with unnecessary details. I would definitely give this book to any child or family who is going through the same thing.

[Annamarie Carlson (she, her)]

A well-written book chronicling a child who is diagnosed with cancer. The ending doesn't have a conclusion (no wrapping this up with an "I'm cured" bow), making this a good fit for kids at any part of their cancer journey. I hope I don't have to recommend this, but I'm glad to have it if I do.

[Bee (BacchusVines) · Rating 5 out of 5]

A little story of a kid fighting cancer. This is a wonderful picture book and in association with the national Pediatric cancer foundation is perfect. A great way to show kids that kids fighting cancer are just like them, just a little different from them.

[Allison · Rating 3 out of 5]

Much needed topic.

[Tracy Holland · Rating 4 out of 5]

A boy diagnosed with cancer shares the initial diagnosis and feelings that come with the start of treatment.

[Becky · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not like anyone WANTS to read this book, but it seems to do a damn good job of covering the ups and downs, reality and hope of the situation. Good for a public library system to have.

[Jenna Sovine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very touching book/good resource for elementary children to teach and learn about cancer. Not everyone is alone.

[Julia Crainshaw · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book would be especially good for young children who have friends or family members dealing with cancer.

[Melissa Ganka-Collins · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a realistic look at childhood cancer. Definetly a must-read for anyone fighting this battle. Great illustrations!

[Andreea Birau · Rating 3 out of 5]

People don’t always have to speak to show they care
about you

[KMitch · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book - would be a great resource for helping young children understand their own or a sibling/friend/classmate's cancer diagnosis. Cannot recommend highly enough.

[regina cerda · Rating 5 out of 5]

espero nunca tener que darle este libro a un niño, pero esta hermoso como explica y acompaña en el proceso