‘Wink‘ by Rob Harrell is a middle grade novel that explores the awkward and challenging experience of living through cancer.
The Big ‘C’:
What exactly is this thing called cancer?
- Our bodies are made up of billions of little cells. Cancer happens when abnormal or damaged cells keep growing when they shouldn’t (the little rascals…). They can also metastasize (travel to other parts of the body) and keep growing
- Cancer can come from any part of the body – there are cancers of the bones, blood, stomach, kidneys – even cancer of the tear glands of the eye!! (which is what Ross has in the book ‘Wink’)
Many of us know an adult who has had cancer, but unfortunately kids get cancer too. In fact, there are close to 400,000 kids around the world who are diagnosed with cancer every year! The month of September is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. It is a good time to learn more about how we can support these children.
So Many Emotions:
Cancer is a big, scary diagnosis. Ross has days when he’s okay, but he also has really tough days. He has to go through many blood tests, imaging scans and a biopsy (when a small piece of the cancer is taken with a needle. Doctors can then look at it under a microscope)
Then when he finally gets his diagnosis, it’s not good news – he has an aggressive cancer. He will need surgery and radiation therapy, and he could lose some of his vision.
To top it all off, he has to deal with side effects of his treatment while going to school?! How unfair! Luckily, Ross makes some unexpected friends and finds an outlet for his feelings through music.
Talking about It:
Cancer doesn’t just affect the child who has it. It is hard on the whole family, because treatments can be long and difficult. Survival rates have gotten better for many childhood cancers, but there is still a real possibility that a child with cancer can die. This can also be challenging for friends and classmates as well
Here are some ideas of how to talk with children about cancer.
The emotions in this book feel very authentic, and with good reason – the story is based off the personal experience of author Rob Herrell. He was diagnosed with this cancer in 2006. Read a Q & A with Rob Harrell here to find out why he adapted the story to a middle grade setting.
Resources:
Booklet: ‘Children with Cancer – A Guide for Parents‘
Book: ‘When Your Child Is Sick – A Guide to Navigating the Practical and Emotional Challenges of Caring for a Child Who Is Very Ill’ – Joanna Breyer, PhD
Want to support research for Childhood Cancer? Learn about one of the many ways you can do so here:
Want to check out some other children’s books that feature characters with health conditions? Take a look at our bookshelf!
