World Cancer Day
4 February is World Cancer Day, which aims to raise awareness, urge governments to take action, and educate us all about the disease and its impact.
We've put together a booklist for readers aged 9+ full of novels that explore the effects of cancer, so if you and your family want to do some wider reading, take a look at our recommendations below.
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Lola Rose
Author: Jacqueline Wilson Illustrator: Nick Sharratt
Publisher: Random HouseJacqueline Wilson demonstrates her skill by capturing the experiences of a young carer, fearful about what the cancer will do to her mother.
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Two Weeks with the Queen
Author: Morris Gleitzman
Publisher: PenguinWhen his brother becomes seriously ill with leukaemia, Colin is sent to stay with relatives in England. Determined to get the best help possible, he decides to approach the Queen.
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Artichoke Hearts
Author: Sita Brahmachari
Publisher: Macmillan Children's BooksThis empathetic account of the process of bereavement, a month’s diary, reassures readers that we grow from our experiences, however painful they are.
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The Look
Author: Sophia Bennett
Publisher: Chicken HouseTed is an awkward, gangly teenager constantly following in her older sister Ava’s confident footsteps...
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32C, That’s Me
Author: Chris Higgins
Publisher: HodderJess seems to have it all. She has a gorgeous boyfriend, Muggs, landed the lead in the school play and her best friend Ali will always stick by her. She even gets on well with her older sister! Then her mum is diagnosed with breast cancer and Jess's world is turned upside down.
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Anthem for Jackson Dawes
Author: Celia Bryce
Publisher: BloomsburyMegan would never have met Jackson Dawes if she hadn't had cancer. But as the only teenagers on the children's ward, they soon form a powerful and unconventional bond.
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The Best Medicine
Author: Christine Hamill
Publisher: Little IslandTwelve-year old Philip Wright is a comedian in the making. Then one day, he tells his mother a joke, and she breaks down in tears. It's a brave challenge to unite the themes of cancer and comedy - but this is an entertaining and light-hearted read.
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A Monster Calls
Author: Patrick Ness From an idea by Siobhan Dowd Illustrator: Jim Kay
Publisher: Walker Books LtdConnor's mum has cancer and life is changing. There is the nightmare, then there is school, where people avoid him, or persecute him. And then there is the immense, mythic Monster.
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The Fault in Our Stars
Author: John Green
Publisher: Penguin Children's BooksJohn Green tackles the subject of teenage cancer with sensitivity in this witty, life-affirming young adult romance.
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The Honest Truth
Author: Dan Gemeinhart
Publisher: Chicken HouseMark has cancer. He can't bear more doctors, so he runs away with his dog Beau for company.
