Difficult Times

Books on Cancer and Terminal Illness

Health Issues: Cancer
ages 11-16
£7.99

This book aims to give a realistic picture of cancer. It explains how cancer occurs and gives information about all common cancers.: possible causes, symptoms, diagnosis and treatments.

The Way I See It - Nicole Dryburgh
teenage (biography)
£6.99

At the age of 11, Nicole Dryburgh was diagnosed with a malignant tumour on her spine. After an operation to remove the tumour, followed by an intensive course of radiotherapy, Nicole's life returned to normal and the doctors were pleased with her progress.

Two years later, aged 13, Nicole suffered a brain haemorrhage. Desperately ill, blind and unable to move, she was given weeks to live. Against all odds, she came home.

Now aged 18, still blind and mainly confined to a wheelchair, Nicole is wholehearted and positive, whether she is studying, fund-raising, horse-riding, playing with her mischievous dogs or hanging out with her friends. Moving, inspiring, funny, unforgettable - Nicole's account of the last four years is the triumphant story of a refusal to give up hope.

This is her first book: she has recently released Talk to the Hand, which is about how she communicates with deaf/blind signing.

32C, That's Me - Chris Higgins
10 upwards (fiction)
£5.99

Jess seems to have it all. OK her parents are boring teachers - her dad even teaches at her school - but 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 and no one seems to understand what she's going through. Muggs is too busy with the play, her dad is never around and all of a sudden Ali is avoiding her. Jess soon starts to realise that maybe having it all isn't what really matters and maybe the people you thought you could depend on aren't the ones to trust.

Books on death and dying.

Badger's Parting Gifts
Ages 3-7
£5.99
The tale of a dependable, reliable and helpful badger who realises that his old age will soon lead to death. His friends learn to come to terms with his death in an enchanting tale. With full colour illustrations throughout.

Talking About Death and Dying
Ages 6 upwards
£6.99
An informative guide exploring issues that affect young people growing up. It contains text supported by real-life accounts and colour photography. It includes useful website addresses, books and support group information.

I Miss You - A First Look at Death
Ages 4 upwards
£6.99
This reassuring book explores death for young children. Children's feelings and questions are looked at in a simple way. It will help tem to come to terms with their feelings.

When Dinosaurs Die
Ages 4 upwards
£5.99
A book for families to share, we follow the dinosaur family exploring death and how to cope with their feelings.

Mimi - by John Newman
ages 8 and upwards - Fiction
£4.99
The book starts at 149 days after mum died. Mimi is the main character, and we follow how she and her family cope without mum. Very sad and moving, but also positive- a great story to share with a grieving older child.

Goodbye Baby: Cameron's Story
ages 3 upwards
£6.99
A unique book telling the story of a miscarriage, from the big brother's point of view. sensitively told, the story goes from when the big brother is told about the new baby and how he feels when the baby is miscarried.

Bullying

Bullies, Bigmouths and So-Called Friends
Ages: 9 upwards
£4.99
A fresh new approach to bullying based on self-esteem. Quirky illustrations complement the text beautifully.

Wise Guides: Bullying
8 upwards
£5.99
If you need a realistic approach to beating the bullies, this Wise Guide is for you. With practical advice about to stop being bullied, this book is a no-nonsense guide to conquering the bullies and making real friends.
If you're being bullied learn how to respect yourself; if you're a bully learn how to respect others.

Blubber- Judy Blume
ages 8 upwards - Fiction
£5.99
"Blubber is a think layer of fat that lies under the skin of whales". When Linda reads out her whale project in class, everyone laughs at her. Jill joins in with the cruel teasing that follows - after all, Linda deserves it, doesn't she? Maybe it would have been different if Jill had known who the bullies' next victim would be...

Exercise and Activity Books to help with handling grief

Muddles, Puddles and Sunshine

Offering practical and sensitive support for bereaved children, this book suggests a helpful series of activities and exercises accompanied by the friendly characters of Bee and Bear. It aims to help children make sense of their experience by reflecting on different aspects of their grief.
£7.99

When Someone Very Special Dies

A practical format for allowing children to understand the concept of death and develop coping skills for life, this book is designed for young readers to illustrate with their own story.
£8.50

Disability

Don't Call Me Special: A First Look at Disability.
ages 4 upwards
£6.99
A picture book explaining all about disability, with questions and concerns explained in a simple way.

What Does it Mean to be Deaf?
KS2/3
£6.99 hardback
This book explains about deafness, sign language, living with deafness (either as a deaf person, a member of their family or a friend) in an educational way.