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My Blood Brother explores the dynamics of a family dealing with childhood leukemia. Sam and his older brother, Stefan, learn together that Sam has leukemia. The story shows the emotional turmoil a family endures while coping with a diagnosis of childhood cancer. Although Sam is only seven years old, he learns about how the disease affects his body and the terminology related to his illness. This b... More

My Blood Brother explores the dynamics of a family dealing with childhood leukemia. Sam and his older brother, Stefan, learn together that Sam has leukemia. The story shows the emotional turmoil a family endures while coping with a diagnosis of childhood cancer. Although Sam is only seven years old, he learns about how the disease affects his body and the terminology related to his illness. This book provides support for the patient, siblings, parents, friends and extended family. The illustrations are done by an award winning medical illustrator who uses color and technique to provide comfortable, soothing illustrations in contrast with the emotionally charged story line.

From School Library Journal
Gr 1-3-Stefan, a boy about 10 years old, narrates this story about his younger brother's battle with leukemia. He is exceptionally kind to Sam and always there for him as he goes through the diagnosis and treatment of the disease. One part of the story shows how Stefan joins a group for siblings of children with cancer; however, there is little mention made of the strain put on a child when a sibling is ill. Stefan is upset over his brother's illness, but he never complains about spending so much time at the hospital or having his parents concentrate on his brother's health, a common theme in the lives of siblings. The narration is somewhat stilted and does not sound like the voice of a young boy, and the pictures are somewhat flat, especially in the facial expressions. This book would be useful as a tool in a doctor's office or hospital setting, but its amateurish quality limits its value as a library offering.Wendy Smith-D'Arezzo, Loyola College, Baltimore, MD
� Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

Review
My Blood Brother is an excellent resource for social workers, child life specialists, and parents to help a sibling understand leukemia. It is especially helpful if the sibling is to be a bone marrow donor. --Toni Cabat, DSW, LCSA, Director of Family Services and Organizational Development, Chai Lifeline

Beautifully illustrated, this book for young readers is written from the view of a big brother of a young boy diagnosed with ALL. He talks about his feelings and what the doctors and nurses have told him about leukemia and its treatment. A good source of information for young children, and parents will probably enjoy reading it too. [PF, 2010] --Ped-Onc Resource Center

My Blood Brother explains and illustrates what leukemia is in a straightforward manner. Newly diagnosed patients and families are dealing with a multitude of emotions, and the ability to obtain resources in understanding and knowing what's next is critical in coping and decision making. Ms. Murphy-Melas does an excellent job transitioning from diagnosis, hospitalization, visitation, education, treatment, and outpatient treatment. I would highly recommend My Blood Brother to Leukemia patients and their families. My colleague, Dr. Jeff Hanrahan, reviewed this book and as a Pediatric Oncologist familiar with available resources, he was delighted with My Blood Brother as a new and comprehensive resource, stating, I wouldn t change a thing! ----Patti Smith, CCLS, Child Life Program/Resource Library Coordinator, Presbyterian Hospital, Albuquerque, New Mexico

About the Author
Elizabeth Murphy-Melas, holds a Master s Degree in English Literature. She is the author of a number of special needs books for young children. Her books include Pennies, Nickels and Dimes a story for children concerning liver transplant, Keeping a Secret: A Story About Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis, and The Girl With No Hair: A Story About Alopecia Areata. My Blood Brother is her fourth book with Health Press NA Inc. Ms. Murphy-Melas wrote the book to help children understand and cope with a cancer diagnosis. She presently resides in Atlanta, Georgia.

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