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For Parents/Grandparents:
- Can I Still Kiss You? Answering Children's Questions About Cancer
by Neil Russell
2001, Health Communications.
A question and answer book written by a cancer patient who journaled the questions he was asked by his children during his cancer experience. Appropriate for all ages.
- Cancer in the Family: Helping Children Cope with a Parent's Illness
by Sue Heiney, PhD, RN; Joan Hermann, MSW, LSW; Katherine Bruss, PsyD; Joy Fincannon, RN, MS
2001, American Cancer Society (1-800-ACS-2345).
An excellent resource that outlines the steps parents can take to help their children understand what happens when a parent has been diagnosed with cancer. Includes a special workbook designed for children to record their thoughts and feelings.
- How to Help Children Through a Parent's Serious Illness
by Kathleen McCue, M.A., C.C.L.S.,
1996, St. Martin's Griffin.
A very comprehensive, yet practical, handbook which helps parents to address their children's fears in an honest, compassionate, and age-appropriate manner.
- Not in Front of the Children How to Talk to Your Child About Tough Family Matters
by Dr. Lawrence Balter
1994, Penguin.
Dr. Balter, a psychologist and columnist for the Ladies' Home Journal, offers parents insight, reassurance, and practical advice about issues that can be difficult to tackle with their children: sex, illness, death, financial difficulties, divorce, etc.
- When a Parent Has Cancer: A Guide to Caring for Your Children
by Wendy Schlessel Harpham, M.D.
1997, HarperCollins Publishers.
A sensitive, well-written guide designed to help children through the upheaval of a parent's diagnosis, treatment, remission and recovery from cancer. Includes a copy of Becky and the Worry Cup*
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For Children:
- Afraid to Ask: A Book About Cancer
by Judylaine Fine
1986: Lothrop.
Written for children ages 12 years and older, this book is a valuable resource to teens who are dealing with cancer in the family.
- * Becky and the Worry Cup
by Wendy Schlessel Harpham, M.D.
An illustrated children's book that tells the story of a 7 year old girl's experiences with her mother's cancer. The book poignantly touches upon the fears, anger, guilt and uncertainty that children feel when a parent is ill.
- Cancer: the Whispered Word
by Judy Harris and Roxanne Brown Kunz
1986, Dillon.
This book is part of the "Understanding Pressure" series and is suitable for children ages 6-9 years. A child tells the story of his mom's cancer and her treatment. The upheaval the family goes through is well portrayed, and questions that children routinely have are addressed.
- It Helps to Have Friends: When Mom or Dad Has Cancer
available through American Cancer Society (1-800-ACS-2345).
A story told from a child's point of view; this pamphlet is most appropriate for children between the ages of 7-9 but can also be useful for older children. Covers a wide range of issues which may disrupt a child's life when a parent is ill and also illustrates the importance of talking with others who have similar experiences.
- Kemo Shark
by D.W. Steele and H.E. King
1995, KidsCope.
A color "comic book" designed to help children understand when a parent has cancer and undergoes chemotherapy.
- Mira's Month
by Deborah Weinstein-Stern
1994. Published by BMT Newsletter, 1985 Spruce Ave., Highland Park, Illinois, 60035.
- Moms Don't Get Sick
by Pat Brack with Ben Brack
1990, Melius Publishing, ISBN#: 0-937603-7-4.
A book written from the perspectives of a 10-14 year old boy and his mother who is diagnosed with breast cancer. With honesty and humor, they show that beyond being a worrisome and disruptive event in a family's life and in a parent-child relationship, cancer can be the catalyst for gaining new strength and renewed appreciation for one another.
- My Mommy Has Cancer and Mommy's in the Hospital Again
by Carolyn Stearns Parkinson
1991, Park Press (ISBN# 0-9630287-0-7).
Written for younger children, ages 4-8.
- Once Upon a Hopeful Night
by Risa S. Yaffe
1998, Oncology Nursing Press Inc.
This is a unique story that helps parents with cancer talk to their young children about their disease and treatment; touching on many of the issues facing young children who have a parent with cancer and offering reassurance that they will be loved and cared for despite the parent's illness. Appropriate for ages 3-10.
- Our Family Has Cancer, Too
by Christine Clifford
1998, Pfeifer-Hamilton Publishers, Duluth, MN, (ISBN #: 1-57025-144-4).
A cartoon illustrated book that describes a family's experience with cancer and how they coped. Appropriate for ages 3-16. Complete with a glossary, this book offers an opportunity for families to learn and share feelings together. Appropriate for ages 8-12. *this item is available in the free "Kid's Kit" from ACS---please ask your oncology social worker for one!
- Sammy's Mommy Has Cancer
by Sherry Kohlenberg
1993, Magination Press, NY (ISBN #: 0-94534-56-8).
The author wrote this book after she was diagnosed with breast cancer. The story is simple but poignant; young children learn that a person with serious illness can have good days and bad days, and that families can cry and laugh together.
- The Hope Tree: Kids Talk About Breast Cancer
by Laura Numeroff, Wendy Schlessel Harpham and David McPhail
2001, Simon & Schuster.
This book addresses many of the important issues that families find difficult to discuss when a parent has been diagnosed with cancer. Through each vignette, the reader is exposed to numerous narrators with whom a child (or parent) may be able to identify. Stories such as "The Day My Family Found Out" and "You Can't Catch It" are some of the issues these authors tackle. Written for ages 4-8.
- The Paper Chain
by Claire Blake, Eliza Blanchard, Kathy Parkinson.
1998, Health Press: Santa Fe, New Mexico.
A sensitive, realistic, and practical book that helps to open up communication between children and their parents. The fears and feelings of a child when a parent is diagnosed with cancer are communicated in a way that children can relate to.
- Vanishing Cookies: Doing OK When a Parent Has Cancer
by Michelle Goodman
(ISBN#: 0-9694724-0-4).
A book written by a psychologist with the needs of 7-12 year olds and their families in mind; emphasizes the value of open communication and normalizes feelings. Available through the Benjamin Institute for Community Education and Referral, 2401 Steeles Avenue West, Downsview, Canada, tel #: (416)663-9060. *this item is available in the free "Kid's Kit" from ACS---please ask your oncology social worker for one!
- What Is Cancer, Anyway? Explaining Cancer to Children of All Ages
by Karen L. Carney
1998, Dragonfly Pub.
This is one of the books in the Barklay and Eve Children's Book Series. It provides basic information in a calm, clear, reassuring manner that children and adults will appreciate.
- When a Parent Is Very Sick
by Eda LeShan
1987, Little Brown & Co.
Appropriate for ages 9-12.
- When Eric's Mom Fought Cancer
by Judith Vigna
1993, Albert Whitman & Co, (ISBN# 0-8075-8883-0).
A ski trip with his father helps a young boy who feels angry and frightened when his mothers is diagnosed with breast cancer.
- Will I Get Breast Cancer? Questions and Answers for Teenage Girls
by C. Vogel
1995: Silver Burdett Press.
- Someone I Love Is Sick
By Kathleen McCue, MA, LSW, CCLA
www.someoneiloveissick.com
Someone I Love Is Sick is a customizable tool to use when talking with children ages 2-6 years old about a parent or grandparent who has cancer. It addresses all stages of the cancer journey including diagnosis, treatment, hospitalization, recurrence and end of life. The tool can be used by families and health care professionals.
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Workbooks
- Kids' Night Out.
An illustrated journal designed to help adults and children talk to each other about the impact that cancer has had on all family members. Addresses issues such as emotions, changes, reassurance, and family member's experiences. To order, contact the Fox Chase Cancer Center, Dept of Social Work Services, PA, telephone #: (215) 728-2668.
- Life Isn't Always a Day at the Beach: A Book for All Children Whose Lives are Affected by Cancer
by Pam Ganz.
A workbook intended for the use of children ages 5-12 as a tool for expressing and sharing some of the many feelings and thoughts they may have in dealing with the diagnosis of cancer in the family. It addresses some of the changes and adjustments required of members of a family through an invitation to draw, write, and think about the issues that may arise. It is best used with an adult who can provide encouragement and support; available by contacting High Five Publishing, 4030 South 31st St., Lincoln, Nebraska, 68502, telephone #: (402) 489-6060. *this item is available in the free "Kid's Kit" from ACS---please ask your oncology social worker for one!
- Time For Me.
By June Slakov, Sandra Rotholc, and Karen Janes.
An activity book for kids when someone in the family has cancer. (ISBN#: 1-896624-02-2). BC Cancer Agency, Fraser Valley Cancer Centre, 13750 96th Avenue, Surrey, British Columbia V3V 1Z2
- A Volcano In My Tummy.
Eliane Whitehouse and Warwick Pudney
1996. New Society Publishers, P.O. Box 189, Gabiola Island, BC V0R1X0 Canada
(ISBN#: 0-86571-349-9)
Compiled by Kerry Irish, Oncology Social Worker, Hematology/Oncology Associates, CMMC, 01/02 rev 7/02, 1/03, 7/03. Some suggestions were drawn from compilation by the Social Work Dept of Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, 1/97.
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Media Materials available at MOCA
Media materials are available for use at the MOCA office. The MOCA library includes books and articles on cancer prevention, coping, treatment, care giving, health and healing. Videos from some MOCA membership meetings are also available. Please contact the MOCA office if you have materials to donate or would like to use the resources in the MOCA library.
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