A Monster Calls by Patrick Ness is a very powerful book written about a boy‘s journey through his mother’s terminal diagnosis of cancer. The story is a definite tearjerker from start to finish. One of the highlights is how terminal cancer transforms family members in caring for a child, but the majority of the book revolves around the boy’s struggle to be in touch with his true thoughts and feelings. The monster’s character was able to confront the reality of the boy’s situation and provide closure to his mother’s terminal state. The book also touches on the reality of other kids—how mean and cruel other children can be during a normal school day. And, the book highlights that children with a parent experiencing a terminal illness have a strong desire to have a “normal” childhood.

A Monster Calls gives an amazing perspective on a child’s inability to process what is happening around him and move through the emotional process. It also touches on the separated family of divorced parents and how a father who has limited involvement in the boy’s life all of a sudden takes on a different role. What is so interesting is how the boy’s relationship with his grandmother changes and how they both have to adjust to this new life they have been given.

This book was very challenging to read since it was so intense and thought provoking. There were no breaks or moments of happiness, which properly reflects this boy’s journey. I would have liked some respite, but it seems to reflect the reality of the grieving process for children. It highlights that children have a difficult time speaking about their thoughts and feelings and how they struggle to go through regular developmental stages. The monster in the book helped the child face his fears and was a perfect pivotal point in the story. The typical response is that they are doing “fine and OK.” This book pointed out that children often suppress their thoughts and feelings, which usually present as nightmares.

The author did a great job highlighting how important it is to pay attention to the children's process, and how easy it is for them to not want to deal with the reality. I highly recommend.

Nellie's Walk
By Charlotte Stiverson & Kate Aitkin
ISBN-13: 9781935864622, Oncology Nursing Society
Reviewed by Lisa Merheb, MSW, LCSW

Nellie’s Walk by Charlotte Stiverson and Kate Aitkin is a beautiful, yet simple book about talking to children regarding the effects of chemotherapy in a way that children can understand. It encourages an easy conversation between a mother and a young daughter in a beautiful and easy way. Many people have a difficult time explaining cancer treatment and its side effects; this book is a great tool to start such a discussion between parent and children.

What was impressive is how easily and simply the book connects the process of nature, animals and the seasons. We all know that the process of autumn is associated with leaves falling, and the book gently correlates that with the process of hair falling out. Hair loss is the most apparent and difficult side effect, especially for women. A comfortable part of the story is that Nellie’s mother removes her hat and points out that her hair loss is a sign of the healing process. This was a very important, and powerful, perspective the book highlights. 

Conversations about cancer and side effects and children are very complex and difficult for any parent or family member. This book does a fantastic job normalizing this process. It actually gives a healthy perspective a child can understand and appreciate. The illustrations are simple and not overwhelming. It is appropriate for elementary school children and can help parents provide a pathway to discussions related to chemotherapy and hair loss. I highly recommend this book for parents who have cancer and want to explain the process of cancer treatment to their children