Books about life-threatening illness for children and adolescents

Stories that help kids and teens understand big illnesses, find hope, and feel less alone

It's scary for adults to have to stare death in the face, but it's overwhelming for a little one who has yet to learn life yet.

Gentle Willow: A Story for Children About Dying

by Joyce C. Mills

Written for children who may not survive their illness or for the children who know them, this tender and touching tale helps address feelings of disbelief, anger, and sadness, along with love and compassion. Amanda and Little Tree discover that their friend Gentle Willow isn't feeling well. Amanda summons the Tree Wizards, who visit Gentle Willow and determine that they can't fix her. Amanda is angry at first, but eventually she listens to the Tree Wizards as they explain that death is a transformation and journey into the unknown. They also counsel Amanda that the medicine she can give Gentle Willow is love. In a final act of love, Amanda comforts Gentle Willow, who is afraid, with a story about the caterpillar who transforms into a butterfly.

Kathy's Hats: A Story of Hope

by Trudy Krisher

A story of a child with cancer and the hats she wears. 

My Journey of Hope:A Child's Guidebook for Living with Cancer

by Sarah Jean Kovar, Age 11

A personal story by a young girl with a life-threatening disease. 

On The Wings Of A Butterfly: A Story About Life and Death

by Marilyn Maple

A story of a child with cancer. 

Will I Still Have To Make My Bed In The Morning?

by Barry Rudner

A child with a terminal illness wonders about dying.

Super Daisy

by Rebecca Smith

Inspired by a real child’s cancer journey, this picture book celebrates resilience and aims to raise awareness about childhood cancer.