Many may not know that cancer is the number one disease killer of children. In Things I Wish I’d Known: Cancer and Kids, author Deborah J. Cornwall skillfully informs readers of their options when it comes to kids who are facing cancer–whether the child is the patient or dealing with the effects of a family member who has been diagnosed.

Prudently arranged into easy to read and follow sections, Things I Wish I’d Known: Cancer and Kids, apprises readers of information (books, websites, and programs) that may be helpful to them in their current situation and the best way to manage their crisis. Each chapter depicts a key, which is a great analogy for the wisdom that is shared within the passage. These “keys of wisdom” help unlock the puzzlement of the often “what now” of the cancer stages–sharing the news, cancer treatment, and the aftermath.

Although this book is informative, it is not all facts and figures. Deborah J. Cornwall compiles firsthand accounts of individuals who have dealt with cancer, giving the book a more compassionate and heart-felt approach, helping readers feel more connected and less alone in their struggle.

Granted, the word “kid” is in the title, but this is a book for adults to advise them on how best to help the child in their life who is navigating the difficult conundrums of cancer. It is not suggested that this book be intended for children to read alone. Although there is no graphic material, it is not written in a manner that is child-friendly. If you are looking for a teen-affable non-fiction book that helps a child whose parent has cancer check out, My Parent Has Cancer and it Really Sucks by Maya and Marc Silver.

This book was sent to Compass Book Ratings for review by Cadence Group

Content Analysis:

Profanity/Language:  2 religious exclamations. 

Note: The word “hell” is used once, but not as an obscenity.

Violence/Gore:  None

Sex/Nudity:   None

Mature Subject Matter:

Cancer, death, grief.

Alcohol / Drug Use:

 One brief mention of teen using marijuana.