Books About Chronic Illness

The Best Chronic Illness Books for Kids

By the Bookroo Editors

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.

After Ever After
Graphic Nov.
The Shortlist

Our 3 Favorite Books About Chronic Illness

Sale price
$759
Chapter Book · Ages 12–15 · 2010

After Ever After

By Jordan Sonnenblick · Book #2 in the Drums, Girls & Dangerous Pie series

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

Schneider Family Book Award (2011)
260 pages· 45,742 words· Est. 4.5 hour read
4.2/5 Goodreads · 11,727 ratings
$7.99Save 5%
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?
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
4.3/5 Goodreads · 2,044 ratings
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?
Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2025

PAWS

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
4.4/5 Goodreads · 478 ratings
$22.99Save 5%
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.
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