The story is written from middle-grade Hannah's point of view, and begins at the start of a new school year. Coincidentally, this is also when Hannah's mom learns of her cancer diagnosis. Besides the reality of cancer, Hannah has to deal with finishing a group history project and with a manipulative, bossy "best friend" who begins to feel like no friend at all. By the end of the school year -- with mom's treatments finished and the history project a pleasant memory -- Hannah has matured quite a bit, and has learned that the stereotypes we form about people are almost always inaccurate and incomplete. Most significantly for Hannah, she realizes that cancer does not automatically equal dying.
This is a book that I wish I had read during (or ideally, before) my cancer diagnosis. My husband and I worked hard to protect our boys from the stress of cancer, and years later I realize we alienated them a great deal. It was not intentional on our part and I'm not "beating myself up" about it, but this book would have been helpful for me as a parent to help them through a difficult time. Although I probably would never offer to show my boys my surgical scars (a personal choice), I think the idea of letting the kids cut their mom's hair is a non-threatening way of including them in an inevitable part of the treatment. Had I read this book during my treatment, this is one suggestion I would have definitely considered.
One change I would encourage about this book is to include a discussion guide for parents and children. The author does an excellent job of touching upon emotions and fears that come with a cancer diagnosis; she has an opportunity to intentionally facilitate the conversation between parent and child. I personally would have benefited from a "road map" of questions to discuss with my kids. Otherwise, it is an easy book to read and discuss together.
