Books About Chronic Illness

The Best Chronic Illness Books for Kids

Looking for excellent children's books about chronic illness? This collection brings together Bookroo's highest-rated and most useful picks in one place.

Start with our editorial favorites, then browse recommendations organized by reading stage to find the right book for your reader.

The Shortlist

Our 5 Favorite Books About Chronic Illness

Five Feet Apart
Sale price
$1139
Chapter Book · Ages 12–18 · 2018

Five Feet Apart

Two teens fall in love but must stay apart to survive. Can love bridge the distance between them?

304 pages· 61,382 words· Est. 5.5 hour read
4.2 Goodreads · 266,326 ratings
$11.99Save 5%
Paperback
Summary: Stella and Will, both battling cystic fibrosis, must keep a safe distance to protect their fragile health. Stella's life depends on a lung transplant, while Will dreams of freedom beyond hospital walls. As their connection deepens, the mandated six feet apart feels like a cruel barrier. Can they risk everything for a chance at love, or will the distance keep them safe but heartbroken? Discover if five feet apart is worth the risk in this poignant tale of love and survival.
After Ever After
Sale price
$759
Chapter Book · Ages 12–15 · 2010

After Ever After

A teen in remission faces life's fragility, family secrets, and unexpected love.

260 pages· 45,742 words· Est. 4.5 hour read
4.2 Goodreads · 11,737 ratings
$7.99Save 5%
Paperback
Summary: Jeffrey, now a teen in remission, grapples with life's fragility and lingering effects of cancer. His brother Steven's escape to Africa leaves Jeffrey angry and searching for answers. As he navigates school struggles, a secretive friend, and a girl who sees beyond his limp, Jeffrey must confront his fears and find his own path. Will he uncover the truth and embrace the future, or will the shadows of the past hold him back?
Turtle Boy
Sale price
$858
Chapter Book · Ages 10–13 · 2020

Turtle Boy

A boy faces fears to fulfill a friend's dying wishes.

400 pages· 74,343 words· Est. 8.5 hour read
4.3 Goodreads · 2,066 ratings
Paperback
Summary: Will Levine, bullied for his appearance, dreads visiting RJ, a boy with an incurable disease, for his bar mitzvah project. Initially at odds, RJ shares his bucket list, urging Will to step out of his comfort zone. As RJ's condition worsens, Will embarks on a journey to complete the list, discovering courage and friendship along the way. Can Will overcome his fears and honor RJ's dreams before time runs out?
The First to Die at the End
Sale price
$1899
Chapter Book · Ages 13–+ · 2022

The First to Die at the End

Two strangers face a life-changing day when one receives a call predicting their death.

550 pages· 105,433 words· Est. 10 hour read
4.0 Goodreads · 129,843 ratings
$19.99Save 5%
Hardcover
Summary: On the eve of Death-Cast's launch, Orion, burdened by a heart condition, and Valentino, seeking a fresh start, meet in Times Square. As the first End Day calls are made, one receives the ominous message, altering their paths forever. Bound by uncertainty, they choose to spend their final hours together, forging a connection that defies fate. Will their day end in heartbreak, or will they find meaning in the moments they share? Discover a tale of love, destiny, and the profound impact of fleeting encounters.
PAWS: Hazel Has Her Hands Full
Graphic Nov.
Sale price
$2184
Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2025

PAWS: Hazel Has Her Hands Full

By Nathan Fairbairn, Michele Assarasakorn (Illustrator) · Book #4 in the Paws series

Can Hazel handle pet-sitting alone, or will chaos force her to seek help?

176 pages· 10,303 words· Est. 2 hour read
4.4 Goodreads · 504 ratings
$22.99Save 5%
Hardcover
Summary: Summer's here, and Hazel is ready for a pet-sitting adventure. With friends away and her mom's watchful eye, she takes on the challenge solo. But as she juggles cats, dogs, and her own therapy, disaster looms. Can Hazel prove her independence, or will she need to ask for help and face the consequences? Dive into a summer of secrets, surprises, and self-discovery.