Books about family illness

It’s the perfect day to build a shelter, the perfect day for a family expedition, the perfect day to play in a den. However, joy turns to concern as it becomes clear that the narrator’s sister is sick. This beautiful book tackles a tough subject with real tenderness.

Something strange happens to Charlie at random times for no apparent reason: he changes into animals. This book cleverly portrays ways of dealing with stress and anxiety, and provides some sound advice throughout. Brilliant and positive. 

Patterson and Grabenstein create a funny, easily read novel, liberally aided by Juliana Neufeld’s illustrations, but beneath the crazy adventures is a story of school-bullying, of a gravely sick little sister, and a boy isolated from his peers by his family situation.

Ella’s going through a lot of changes – a new home, a new school, and a big family secret to keep under wraps. But how far will she go to stay friends with popular girl Lydia? An enormously entertaining read that will strike a chord with many young readers.

Lalani lives on an island ruled by a cruel menyoro, where people live in fear of the spirit of the nearby Mount Kahna. But when her mother gets ill, Lalani realises she must trust in the great magic of the island and embark on a quest to find a cure. A beautiful novel woven with mythology and magic, and a warning about what can happen when we don’t understand and respect nature.

When Max answers the call to join Captain O’Malley’s pirate ship instead of his brother, who’s ill, it’s the start of a rip-roaring fantastical adventure. A page-turner that will have children gripped and moved.  

In 1884, Emma Linden dreams of being a fossil hunter like her hero Mary Anning – but her world comes crashing down when her brother James becomes mysteriously ill. Meanwhile, in 2023, football-mad Jude finds a friend in Rosie Linden, who is plagued by visions of tigers and the need to protect the ones she loves.

Powerful, memorable and accessible, the book also boasts a very positive depiction of a character with Asperger’s Syndrome.

An encounter with a real-life dragon in Milton Keynes helps 12-year-old Yara learn who she is.  

Cat is moving with her family to a new town in Northern California where the colder, wetter climate will be better for her sister Maya’s cystic fibrosis. She’s not overjoyed about leaving her life and friends behind.

When the Archangel Gabriel inadvertently blasts several members of the nativity into a present-day Hampshire village, siblings Oscar and Molly embark on an epic quest to return them to Bethlehem and save Christmas. Bursting with humour, energy and plenty of heart, this entertaining tale is guaranteed to get readers in the festive mood.

When he falls out with his best friend and then his little brother is rushed into hospital, Nate’s world is turned upside-down. This incredibly powerful novel, written entirely in free verse and accompanied by thoughtful illustrations, is an emotional read.

A quirky fantasy adventure in which a human boy and a Greek goddess accidentally release an immortal supervillain who is determined to take over the world – and maybe even the universe.

Safiya must uncover the truth of her mother’s history to help her survive the present. A beautifully written and page-turning read, set in London and Kuwait, that deals with changing friendships, family dynamics and learning how to say goodbye. 

Nine days before Christmas, Jake’s world is turned upside-down when he wakes up to discover that his mum has disappeared. Desperately concerned about her welfare, he cannot understand why nobody else seems worried.

Todd’s life is like a rollercoaster ride, with endless twists and turns, exacerbated by the unpredictable behaviour of his mentally ill father. A wonderful, multi-layered story, with an intriguing plot, fabulous characters and plenty of humour. 

Amihan lives on the secluded island of Culion with her sick mum, who has leprosy. But when the government decides the island must be quarantined, Ami and all the children who don’t have the disease are forced to leave – while her mum must stay behind, along with everything Ami has ever known.

An unusual and engaging dual-narrative tale about love, loss, faith and complex family relationships.

A heartwarming, heartbreaking story about one Nigerian family whose life is blighted by sickle-cell anaemia and a remarkable talking dog who helps in the search for a bone marrow donor.