Welcome to the C+F Digital Book Collection!
“Mommy, that character is just like me!”
Imagine your child opening a book and reading about a character with a rheumatic disease just like them!
Whether it’s about frequent doctor visits, needle pokes, managing pain, feeling different at school or any of the many unique challenges that come with navigating childhood rheumatic disease, representation is a key part of building a sense of belonging, understanding, and connectedness. Storytelling is a powerful tool that allows children, teens, and families to feel seen, access new tools, and feel more confident in their disease management. Literature can also help readers gain insights into the emotions, challenges, and triumphs of those living with childhood rheumatic disease.
Accessing the C+F Book Collection as a part of your overall treatment plan can help by:
- Modeling language that supports children in learning to articulate their pain and emotions
- Sparking hope that treatments can help and that thriving with childhood rheumatic disease is possible
- Creating a sense of validation of lived experiences (for both child and parent/caregiver)
- Demonstrating that no family is alone in their experience – there is a community of friends that ‘just get it’
- Providing a tangible item that can be used to educate others and raise awareness
Each book in our Collection has been carefully selected and reviewed by kids, teens, parents/caregivers, and medical professionals in the C+F community so that you can feel confident in your learning journey.
We hope your family enjoys reading through our book collection and finds them informative, helpful, and sometimes fun! If you’d like to share your experience reading one of our books, provide a review, or share a new book, we would love to hear from you! Reach out to us at jessica@cassieandfriends.ca.
Abby Has Arthritis
Abby is a 10 year old girl who has juvenile arthritis and chronic recurrent multifocal osteomyelitis (CRMO). From taking medicine to routine doctor appointments, Abby shares how her life is affected by arthritis. From good days to bad days, Abby lets other kids know that they are not alone in this diagnosis.
Alex the Kid: Talks About Juvenile Arthritis
This beautifully written children’s story introduces the reader to seven-year-old Alex, who has JA. Alex shares his “ups and downs” with the reader, but he continues to maintain a positive attitude throughout the story. Alex gently emphasizes the importance of taking his prescribed medication and the need to stay active to live well with JA. A great story to share with siblings, family members, and friends of those living with juvenile arthritis. A useful Q&A section and a section for further reading are included at the end of the story.
Emersyn’s Story: A Book About Juvenile Arthritis
A wonderful Canadian book features Emersyn, a 5-year-old girl from Montreal diagnosed with Systemic JIA. Emersyn shares her life with her family, her dog Patches, and the activities and sports she loves. Passionate about medicine, Emersyn aims to inspire others like her through this book. Her family has generously chosen to donate the proceeds to the Rheumatology and Neurology Departments at the Montreal Children’s Hospital.
“It is almost the exact story of my daughter. It explains everything in a simple manner while showing an empowered, brave kid. It was enjoyed by all 3 of my kids, with the 2 and 4-year-olds asking to read it multiple times in the 2 days we have had it. I would highly recommend it!”
– About Alex the Kid Talks About Juvenile Arthritis from a JA Parent
Archie Airplane Has Arthritis
This entertaining children’s story introduces the reader to Archie Airplane, an adorable cartoon airplane diagnosed with juvenile arthritis. With cute, colorful illustrations and a fun storyline, Archie shares the ups and downs of having a chronic illness. Thanks to the help of his good friend, Agatha, Archie learns both physical and mental health skills for coping with arthritis, including the importance of taking prescribed medications, seeking support when feeling sad, and staying physically active. Archie’s story helps children develop a personal toolbox of coping strategies for chronic illness.
The Abilities In Me: Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis
Explore the day in the life of a young boy with JIA, through bright, colourful illustrations and text.Perfect for teachers, parents and children alike, this book will bring awareness of the condition and teach children how to be supportive and be kind. This collection of books show how each child can celebrate their abilities within their disability, find acceptance and create awareness to those around them. This picture book is aimed for children between the ages of 3-8 years. The character in the book is dedicated to Bertie Dudley, age 5 with JIA.
You Are So Much More: An Inspiration for Children Healing From Illness or Injury
Research shows that fostering resilience helps children develop effective coping strategies, improving long-term outcomes across various illnesses. “You Are So Much More” reassures children facing illness or injury of their resilience and strength. This book delivers a powerful message of courage and resilience for children experiencing illness and hospitalization, as well as their parents and caregivers.
“The book overall had great explanations and message. I loved seeing my daughter recognize the medications as similar to hers and recognize how Archie has arthritis like her. It’s so nice to have material like this out there for our kids and for other children to read and learn about too!”
– About Archie Airplane Has Arthritis from a JA Parent
Rheuma Toad
Rheuma Toad is a book dedicated to children with juvenile rheumatoid arthritis (JRA), also known as juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA). It’s a story about a toad named Rheuma who’s training for the annual Lily Pad Races when his joints become painful, swollen, and red, and he’s diagnosed with JRA. Will his new diagnosis of JRA keep him from competing in the Lily Pad Races? Join Rheuma Toad on this heartwarming adventure of triumph and perseverance in the midst of JRA.
Pain and Penelope: A Child’s Journey with Arthritis
Follow Penelope on her journey with JIA and learn how to stay empowered with a chronic illness. Penelope shares tips on continuing to do what you love while answering questions about the disease. The book includes a quiz at the end to teach kids how to manage their symptoms and condition.
Kippo: A book for children about Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis
Kipo the monkey enjoys running and playing with his friends and sister, Peep. However, one morning he wakes up with joint pain that prevents him from playing as usual. Kipo and his parents set off on a journey to find help for his joints and improve his condition. Along the way, they meet healthcare professionals like Dr. Jointly, Mrs. Stretchy the physiotherapist, Dr. Ossie Eyes the ophthalmologist, and Nurse Ellie, who assists Kipo with his injections. Through these experiences, Kipo learns that he is resilient and that Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA) cannot hold him back from being a champion.
“She was scared like I am sometimes. I cry when I am in pain like Penelope”
– About Pain & Penelope from a child with JA
Aniana del Mar Jumps In
A powerful and expertly told novel in verse about a twelve-year-old Dominican American swimmer who is diagnosed with Juvenile Arthritis by an award-winning poet.
Aniana del Mar belongs in the water like a dolphin belongs to the sea. But she and Papi keep her swim practices and meets hidden from Mami, who has never recovered from losing someone she loves to the water years ago. That is, until the day Ani’s stiffness and swollen joints mean she can no longer get out of bed, and Ani is forced to reveal just how important swimming is to her. Mami forbids her from returning to the water but Ani and her doctor believe that swimming along with medication will help Ani manage her disease. What follows is the journey of a girl who must grieve who she once was in order to rise like the tide and become the young woman she is meant to be. Aniana Del Mar Jumps In is a poignant story about chronic illness and disability, the secrets between mothers and daughters, the harm we do to the ones we love the most—and all the triumphs, big and small, that keep us afloat.
Sick Kids in Love
Sick Kids in Love follows Isabel as she tries to navigate life, being a teenager while also managing her chronic illness. To do this Isabel has a rule – no dating. All is going well until she meets another sick kid. And he might just change her mind – because he understands. Sasha understands what it’s like to be sick, what it’s like to feel alone. For once, Isabel might consider breaking her rules.
Cursed
14-year-old Erica has been secretly skipping school for six weeks due to the excruciating pain of her Juvenile Arthritis. Her parents are unaware, and she feels isolated and neglected by her friends and rheumatologist. Complicating matters, her parents’ divorce forces her to live in an inaccessible home with her dad. When her truancy is discovered, Erica faces the prospect of repeating ninth grade. However, newfound school accommodations, a potential friend, biologic treatments, and a crush offer hope. Despite some questionable choices, Erica perseveres, realizing the profound impact of managing her disease on relationships and academics. She and those around her learn valuable lessons about living with Juvenile Arthritis.
