The Paper Chain [Paperback]

Claire Blake (Author), Eliza Blanchard (Author), Kathy Parkinson (Author)

Book Description

Age Level: 4 and up | Grade Level: P and up

When Claire Blake was diagnosed with breast cancer, she searched in vain for books to help her young sons understand the difficult situation of serious parental illness being faced by the family. Unfortunately, she found nothing written for children trying to cope with the anxiety and upset such news brings. Claire and two friends - one a writer, one an illustrator - used Claire's insights into her sons' struggle with her illness and treatment as a guide, and created The Paper Chain, a powerful aid for children in coping with a serious illness in the family.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

PreSchool-Grade 2AThe purpose of this book is frankly bibliotherapeutic: to explain to young children what happens when a woman is treated for breast cancer. The vehicle is a story about Marcus and Ben, whose mother undergoes surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation. Simple explanations of these procedures are given in a matter-of-fact but gentle and positive tone. Mom loses her hair and must rest a lot during her treatments. Sometimes the boys feel sad and cross because she can't enjoy the activities she once did, and their parents help them understand their emotions. In time, the woman regains her strength and her hair grows back, and the children are delighted, but the text clearly states that she will be closely monitored by her doctor to check for signs of the disease's return. The book, which is factual but not frightening, would be very helpful for families dealing with other forms of cancer and serious illnesses in general. Large, lively watercolors in cheerful colors show loving adults and the boys mostly at home. A glossary is included.APatricia Pearl Dole, formerly at First Presbyterian School, Martinsville, VA
Copyright 1998 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Review

"The Paper Chain is a wonderful book to help families cope with an ill parent. Beautifully illustrated with excellent coverage of the important issues, it is sensitive, realistic, insightful and practical. It is a book which would be helpful to many of the families we serve." -- Cancer Care, Inc. Carolyn Messner, ACSW Director of Education

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 4 and up
  
• Paperback: 32 pages
• Publisher: Health Press (NM); 1 edition (February 27, 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0929173287
• ISBN-13: 978-0929173283
• Product Dimensions: 11 x 8.5 x 0.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,261,561 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

29 of 30 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A top pick for children coping with cancer in the family, July 3, 2000

By 

The McCarty Family (Boston, MA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Paper Chain (Paperback)

This is one of the best books we found when our family was dealing with a recent cancer diagnosis. It is sensitive and caring and provides concrete examples for positive steps families can take to help children cope successfully with a tough situation. Appropriate for our children, aged 3,5, and 7, it is a book even adults will appreciate. We have used the "Paper Chain" concept to reach out to adult friends hospitalized for a variety of reasons. We found that its broad potential gave us a way to talk about cancer in the context of many illnesses -- and how coping skills are useful for everyone.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An excellent book for families dealing with cancer, May 16, 2009

By 

Sammy Darko "SDK" (Yonkers) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Paper Chain (Paperback)

This book takes children through the steps and stages of a difficult time in a gentle, nurturing manner. I think it would apply to other medical issues besides cancer as well. Highly recommended.

5.0 out of 5 stars Good, positive book, June 21, 2011

By 

Kittiagg95 - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: The Paper Chain (Paperback)

I bought this book many years ago for my son to help keep open the dialogue surrounding my mom's cancer. We lost her 7 years ago June 30th, and my son was only 5 at the time. I think keeping things open with him and not just saying "everything is going to always get better" helped him. He wasn't afraid to be around her, like many kids are when someone older is sick, and he knew she was fighting to get better for him. This was a great book to show how cancer can be hard on families, but you find ways to help everyone cope as best you can.