Drums, Girls + Dangerous Pie by Jordan Sonnenblick is a great resource for teen siblings who are trying to cope with a little brother or sister’s illness. Although the book is focused on a teen’s younger brother’s battle with cancer, the main character in the book goes through many of the stages of grief and coping while learning to navigate the hospital environment.
Steven doesn’t believe that his brother has cancer when Jeffrey is first diagnosed. He thinks that his little brother is being spoiled until Jeffrey starts losing his hair. Then Steven begins bargaining that he’ll behave better if his brother is cured. And finally Steven accepts Jeffrey’s cancer diagnosis and begins to learn more about the hospital environment that his brother is now a part of. While all of this is happening at home with his family, Steven is also going through typical middle school drama. This book is a great resource for any teens that are struggling with a loved ones diagnosis. It can serve as a reminder that they aren’t alone and the emotions they are feeling in response to this situation are normal.
The Three "Peas" of Child Life 