Childhood Leukemia

Starred review from July 1, 2018

Four thousand children and teens in the United States are diagnosed with leukemia each year. In its fifth edition, Keene's revised resource includes five brand-new chapters, 20 updated sections, and material on CAR T-cell immunotherapy (a recently approved treatment). As the mother of a long-term leukemia survivor and chair of the patient advocacy committees of the Children's Cancer Group and the Children's Oncology Group, Keene is familiar with the struggles of the families of cancer patients. She provides information on the different types of childhood leukemia and the various treatments available for each, as well as practical advice on varying topics, such as: how to tell your child, siblings, and others of a leukemia diagnosis; how to choose a course of treatment; forming a partnership with the medical team; tips for hospital stays; navigating side effects; and myriad other issues. Interspersed throughout are perspectives from other parents. The vast appendix includes information on blood tests, lists of support organizations, and a host of comprehensive books and websites. VERDICT A must-have resource for families of childhood leukemia patients and all library collections.-Julia M. Reffner, North Chesterfield, VA

Copyright 2018 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

Starred review from April 1, 2018

Four thousand children and teens in the United States are diagnosed with leukemia each year. In its fifth edition, Keene's revised resource includes five brand-new chapters, 20 updated sections, and material on CAR T-cell immunotherapy (a recently approved treatment). As the mother of a long-term leukemia survivor and chair of the patient advocacy committees of the Children's Cancer Group and the Children's Oncology Group, Keene is familiar with the struggles of the families of cancer patients. She provides information on the different types of childhood leukemia and the various treatments available for each, as well as practical advice on varying topics, such as: how to tell your child, siblings, and others of a leukemia diagnosis; how to choose a course of treatment; forming a partnership with the medical team; tips for hospital stays; navigating side effects; and myriad other issues. Interspersed throughout are perspectives from parents. The vast appendix includes information on blood tests, lists of support organizations, and a host of comprehensive books and websites. VERDICT A must-have resource for families of childhood leukemia patients and all library collections.

Copyright 2018 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.