Books about family illness
Books can help if you and your family are going through tough times. It is comforting to know that you're not the only one.
This is a selection of stories where a member of the protagonist's family is ill. It includes mental illness, as well as physical.
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The Perfect Shelter
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The Perfect Shelter
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 t…
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Charlie Changes into a Chicken
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Charlie Changes into a Chicken
Something strange happens to Charlie at random times for no apparent reason: he changes into animals. This book cleverly port…
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Pretend Cows
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Pretend Cows
When Maxy's beloved herd of cows has to be killed for suspected disease, Maxy refuses to believe they're gone, choosing instead to…
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Pirates of Darksea
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Pirates of Darksea
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-roarin…
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The Mystery of the Missing Mum
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The Mystery of the Missing Mum
Nine days before Christmas, Jake’s world is turned upside-down when he wakes up to discover that his mum has disappeared. Desperat…
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House of Robots
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House of Robots
Patterson and Grabenstein create a funny, easily read novel, liberally aided by Juliana Neufeld’s illustrations, but beneath…
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The Rollercoaster Boy
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The Rollercoaster Boy
Todd's life is like a rollercoaster ride, with endless twists and turns, exacerbated by the unpredictable behaviour of his mentall…
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Operation Nativity
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Operation Nativity
When the Archangel Gabriel inadvertently blasts several members of the nativity into a present-day Hampshire village, siblings Osc…
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The Final Year
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The Final Year
When he falls out with his best friend and then his little brother is rushed into hospital, Nate’s world is turned upside-down. Th…
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The Island at the End of Everything
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The Island at the End of Everything
Amihan lives on the secluded island of Culion with her sick mum, who has leprosy. But when the government decides the island must …
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Who Let the Gods Out?
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Who Let the Gods Out?
A quirky fantasy adventure in which a human boy and a Greek goddess accidentally release an immortal supervillain who is determine…
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Lalani of the Distant Sea
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Lalani of the Distant Sea
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 he…
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Miraculous Miranda
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Miraculous Miranda
When her sister has to stay in hospital, Miranda escapes into her own fantasy land: Magnanimous. Can Miranda write a miracle for h…
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A Pocketful of Stars
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A Pocketful of Stars
Safiya must uncover the truth of her mother’s history to help her survive the present. A beautifully written and page-turning…
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Ella on the Outside
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Ella on the Outside
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 f…
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In Darkling Wood
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In Darkling Wood
An unusual and engaging dual-narrative tale about love, loss, faith and complex family relationships.
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Dandelion Clocks
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Dandelion Clocks
Powerful, memorable and accessible, the book also boasts a very positive depiction of a character with Asperger's Syndrome.
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The Tiger Who Sleeps Under My Chair
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The Tiger Who Sleeps Under My Chair
In 1884, Emma Linden dreams of being a fossil hunter like her hero Mary Anning - but her world comes crashing down when her brothe…
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A Beautiful Lie
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A Beautiful Lie
Set in India during the summer of 1947, A Beautiful Lie follows the tumultuous events of the Partition of India through the eyes o…
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