Mighty
Kids Library
Helping Kids
Feel Strong
Stories, videos, and tools designed to help kids navigate life with arthritis—and feel less alone along the way.
Stories, videos, and tools that help kids and teens understand their bodies, face treatments with confidence, and remember they are not alone.
Whether a child is newly diagnosed or has been living with their condition for years, symptoms, medications, tests, and emotions can feel overwhelming.
The Mighty Kids Library was created to help kids make sense of what’s happening — with stories that reflect their experiences and tools that help them feel stronger along the way.
What is Mighty Kids?
What is the Mighty Kids library?
Many people still believe arthritis only affects older adults. In reality, juvenile arthritis is one of the leading causes of chronic childhood disability in Canada—affecting over 25,000 children and youth.
Because of low awareness and persistent misconceptions, families often face long delays before getting the right diagnosis and care.
• Symptoms are often misunderstood or dismissed
• Referrals to specialists can take months or longer
• Delayed diagnosis can lead to long-term complications
We believe no child should have to wait in pain for answers.
Why Mighty Kids Matters
For many children living with rheumatic disease, it can be difficult to explain what they’re feeling—or to see themselves reflected in the world around them. Representation matters.
Benefits of the Mighty Kids Library:
• Helps children feel seen, understood, and less alone
• Builds confidence in managing symptoms and treatment
• Supports emotional wellbeing through relatable storytelling
• Gives families tools to start meaningful conversations
Stories have the power to connect, comfort, and inspire—and that’s exactly what this library is designed to do.
Explore Our Library
What is the Mighty Kids library?
Each book has been carefully selected by Cassie + Friends and our community.
Books are available through external partners and retailers.
Mighty Kids Books
Rheuma Toad
by Jenny Melancon-Halley (Author), Tessa Worley (Illustrator)
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?
Alex the Kid Talks about Juvenile Arthritis
by Alexander Draper
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.
Stay Limitless
by Emma Yao Baker
Join Maddie through the ups and downs of Juvenile Arthritis. In this book, you will discover what Juvenile Arthritis is, how to take care of yourself, and most importantly, to stay limitless!
Archie Airplane Has Arthritis: Coping with Juvenile Arthritis
by Andrew Roe
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.
The Abilities in Me
by Gemma Keir (Author), Adam Walker-Parker (Illustrator)
This picture book is dedicated to children with Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis, also known as JIA. 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.
Just For You: Emersyn’s Story: A Book About Juvenile Arthritis
by Laurie Vineberg Buch (Author), Books That Heal (Contributor), Alanna Walsh (Illustrator)
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.
You Are So Much More: An Inspiration for Children Healing From Illness or Injury
by Serena Tejpar (Author), Anoosha Lalani (Illustrator), Iman Tejpar (Illustrator)
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.
by Erin Garcia (Author), Betsy Miller (Author), Ivreese Tong (Illustrator)
Livy is a vibrant, clever little girl who usually loves to play and pounce like a tiger. That is until one day when she unexpectedly gets very sick. Now Livy isn’t able to play the same, she doesn’t feel like herself, and some of her friends treat her differently. Finding inspiration from her favorite feline, Livy transforms her mindset and takes on the monumental task of mentally and emotionally healing from chronic illness. Tiger Livy” is the story of a brave six-year-old who inspires empathy, patience, and grit in young readers.
by Daniel Kinchlea (Author), Ar-Em Bañas (Illustrator)
Written by 9-year-old Daniel Kinchlea, this story is all about the first fire dragon and their search for help. The story mirrors Daniel’s own understanding of his diagnosis journey as a young child.
Rare is Everywhere
by Deborah Katz
Rare Is Everywhere reveals that grasshoppers can be pink, tigers can be white, and lobsters can be blue. Showcasing eleven incredible animals through vibrant illustrations and playful poetry, the book skillfully blends science with art and encourages children to recognize and accept diversity in themselves and in others. Each page features a rare animal alongside its everyday counterpart, and accompanying rhyming text reveals both their shared traits and their differences. With a joke corner to further capture children’s imagination and a glossary that provides more information about each animal and the genetic changes that shape their appearance, Rare Is Everywhere is not only a stunning picture book but also a valuable resource.
Pain and Penelope:
A child’s journey with arthritis
by Alexandra Wheeler
Follow Penelope through her journey as she learns about having Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis, how to manage it, and the super powers it gives her.
“It’s almost the exact story of my daughter Mica. It explains everything in a clear and simple manner while showing an empowered brave kid.”
— About Alex the Kid Talks about Juvenile Arthritis / JA Parent
Mighty Tweens Books
Aniana Del Mar Jumps In
by Jasminne Mendez
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.
Peg-Leg
Written by Ned Lowell
Illustrated by Giselle Thompson
Peg-Leg is a funny and touching book written by 11-year-old Ned Lowell about his personal experience living with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA). Inspired by Diary of a Wimpy Kid, the book shares his journey through symptoms, crutches, diagnosis, and treatment with hope and resilience
“This book had great explanations and messages. I loved seeing my daughter recognize the medications as similar to hers and recognize how Archie has arthritis like her.”
— About Archie Airplane has Arthritis / JA Parent
Mighty Teens Books
Sick Kids in Love
by Hannah Moskowitz
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
by Karol Ruth Silverstein
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.
“She was scared — like I am sometimes. I cry when I am in pain like Aniana.”
— About Aniana Del Mar Jumps In / JA Parent
Watch & Learn
Welcome to our video section
Sometimes, hearing a story out loud makes all the difference. These short videos feature youth and community members reading and sharing stories from the Mighty Kids Library.
Just For You: Emersyn’s Story: A Book About Juvenile Arthritis
Read by Cassie Porte
Hear Cassie + Friends Youth Leader, Cassie Porte, read-aloud from the children’s story book, Emersyn’s Story: A Book About Juvenile Arthritis. Cassie shares how a book like this would have helped her when she was first diagnosed with JIA as a toddler.
Alex the Kid
Read by Dr. Tania Cellucci
Hear Pediatric Rheumatologist, Dr. Tania read-aloud from the children’s story book, Alex the Kids Talks About Juvenile Arthritis. Dr. Tania shares her favourite part of the story, written by a youth with arthritis himself!
“Mommy, that character is just like me!”
Parents and caregivers often share how powerful it is for children to see themselves reflected in these stories—recognizing their experiences, their treatments, and their emotions in ways that feel real and reassuring.
Access the Library In-clinic
The Mighty Kids Library is also available in select clinics, helping families access these resources as part of their care experience.
Ask your care team about accessing the library during your next visit.
A Mighty
Legacy
A growing collection
The Mighty Kids Library was created in memory of Dr. Daniah Basodan, remembered as small but mighty and a true force in pediatric rheumatology.
Her compassion, advocacy, and deep commitment to children and families continue to shape how care is delivered — and how young people are supported to understand their health, find their voice, and feel less alone.
This library honours her legacy by reminding every child who opens a story that they, too, are small but mighty.
Support More Mighty Kids
Your donation helps grow the Mighty Kids Library on-line and in clinics across Canada.
Have a book to suggest? Email us!
#KidsCantWait
Only 1 in 5 Canadians know kids get arthritis.
Early diagnosis can change a child’s life.
Juvenile arthritis affects over 25,000 children in Canada—yet most people don’t know it exists. Because of this lack of awareness, many children face delays in diagnosis and treatment that can have lasting effects on their health.
Join Us
Join Cassie + Friends supportive community.
From mentorship to real-world resources, our programs are designed to help young people navigate life with rheumatic disease—building confidence, independence, and connection along the way.