Comments on: Middle Grade Books with Characters Who Have Medical Challenges

By: Erica

Erica — Tue, 12 Feb 2019 11:28:53 +0000

In reply to Rachel. I love Out of My Mind! I have it on so many other lists and since I'm also trying to put together a list of books with characters who have physical disabilities, I thought I'd save it for that. And yes, it is a three-hanky book for sure.

By: Erica

Erica — Tue, 12 Feb 2019 11:27:42 +0000

In reply to Barbara Dee. You're welcome! I think the book will really speak to kids.

By: Barbara Dee

Barbara Dee — Mon, 11 Feb 2019 20:57:12 +0000

Thanks for including HALFWAY NORMAL, which was inspired by my son’s battle with cancer (osteosarcoma). I’ve spoken to so many kids who are cancer survivors and are back at school, unprepared for the challenges of “re-entering” normal life. I think every kid who has faced a personal battle (medical and otherwise) can relate to a story about how much of yourself to share, and how to communicate.

By: Rachel

Rachel — Mon, 11 Feb 2019 14:55:51 +0000

And of course, Out of My Mind, about a child with cerebral palsy by Sharon Draper. Keep the tissue box handy.

As a kid I loved Karen by Marie Killilea about a girl with cerebral palsy (a true story - Marie is Karen's mother). I also loved From Anna by Jean Little, about a girl with vision problems (which I incorrectly remembered as also being cerebral palsy).

By: Erica

Erica — Mon, 11 Feb 2019 14:12:55 +0000

In reply to Rachel. Thanks, I'll have to look for it!

By: Rachel

Rachel — Mon, 11 Feb 2019 13:53:27 +0000

What about Counting Thyme by Melanie Conklin? It is about a child with a brain tumor, told from the perspective of a sibling. The family moves across the country for treatment so everyone's lives are upended.