Breast Cancer

Children's Literature

In a brief overview of breast cancer, the definition, diagnosis, treatment and potential for getting the disease are discussed. Self-examination and good health habits are emphasized. The 64-page book has an attractive layout with special information set out in color for emphasis. Chapters begin with overviews that cover a lot of information in bulleted format, enough to help report writers get organized. Each chapter opens with a vignette of real-teen experience, in this case, kids talking about personal, family and friend experiences with breast cancer, and nearly every page contains a picture, At a Glance Facts, Myth vs. Fact, Fast Facts or Did You Know bits of information to support the text. Vignettes of real-life teen experiences and "Did you know" inserts add interest, highlight facts and dispel myths. The end-of-chapter questions are thought-provoking. There is a glossary of key words, an index and reference lists that include books, professional organizations and Internet sites. While Carole Vogel's first book about breast cancer is referenced, the updated edition, Breast Cancer: Questions and Answer's for Young Women offers significantly more information for teens. This book is part of the "Perspectives on Disease and Illness" series. Sharol Anderson, BSN, RN, OCN Breast Health and Oncology Patient Educator served as consultant. 2002, LifeMatters/Capstone Press, $23.93. Ages 10 up. Reviewer: Elaine Wick AGES: 10 11 12 13 14 15

School Library Journal

Gr 5-9-In a succinct, approachable manner, each author discusses the disease, its effect on the body, diagnosis, treatment, how it affects young people who either have it or live with someone who does, and looks ahead to potential breakthroughs. Sentences are simple, topic headings are bold and clear, and complex information is smoothly explained. Inset anecdotes, interesting facts, and personal quotes carry the text along briskly, and the tone is crisp yet comforting. The attractive layout features glossy paper with brightly colored illustrations, highlighted sections, and plenty of white space. In Cystic Fibrosis, Monroe finds a fine balance between the disease's essentially incurable nature and realistic optimism on the part of those afflicted. Noteworthy in Breast Cancer are the clear descriptions of the stages of the illness and photos of treatments, which are explanatory but not frightening, as well as helpful ideas to enable the children of patients to remain hopeful and supportive. The glossary is almost unnecessary, since most difficult words are defined contextually. Excellent introductions to the topics.-Mary R. Hofmann, Rivera Middle School, Merced, CA Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information.