My Brave Friend: Emma and Noah Face Cancer Together

by Suzanne Stone, Brett Fox

Overview

What is cancer? Is it the same thing as getting sick? Why is my best friend, Emma, not in school anymore?

Noah and Emma are best friends who do everything together, like playing on the monkey bars at recess and making each other smile and laugh. But one day at school, Noah notices that Emma is not there. He learns that Emma has cancer.

With the support of his parents, teacher, and classmates, Noah learns not to be afraid and helps Emma feel less lonely while she receives treatment. Follow the story of how one boy brings joy and connection to his best friend when she needs it the most.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9798891383425
Publisher:	Mascot Kids
Publication date:	08/12/2025
Pages:	38
Product dimensions:	10.00(w) x 10.00(h) x (d)

About the Author

Suzanne Stone is the president and CEO of Livestrong, dedicated to ensuring everyone affected by cancer has the resources they need to have a high quality of life. In her free time, Suzanne enjoys traveling, attending sporting events, and tending to her saltwater aquarium and fish.

Established in 1997 with a mission to address the often-overlooked challenges in cancer care, Livestrong has supported more than 10 million cancer survivors. Notably, Livestrong played a pivotal role in establishing survivorship as a formal field of study in the cancer space. Livestrong's empowering work includes programs to encourage physical activity after cancer treatment, assistance for people whose treatment affects fertility, and a library of information available for free online. Along with individual care, Livestrong creates and funds community programs that focus on the day-to-day concerns of survivors and works with policymakers and institutions to change how the world faces cancer.

livestrong.org

Brett Fox is a book lover, former children's librarian, and proud advocate for kids fighting cancer with Hopecam. She lives in Northern Virginia with her husband, two sons, and cat, Sasha.

For more than twenty years, Hopecam has been on a mission to create a better quality of life for children with cancer by virtually connecting them with their classmates and peers. To make these connections, Hopecam provides tablets, laptops, Wi-Fi access, and resources at no cost to families. Every time a child is diagnosed with cancer and isolated from friends, their mental health is at risk. Hopecam can change that trajectory by virtually connecting kids with their world. Hopecam helps kids feel more supported through the power of connection.

hopecam.org

Editorial Reviews

"My Brave Friend is a powerful and compassionate resource for young children navigating the complexities of a friend's cancer diagnosis. With warmth, honesty, and age-appropriate storytelling, this book provides kids with the understanding and confidence to support their friends while processing their own emotions. Livestrong has once again delivered a meaningful tool that fosters empathy and resilience in the next generation. This is a must-read for families, educators, and anyone guiding a child through a difficult time."

—Josh Linkner, New York Times bestselling author & CEO

"My Brave Friend uses age-appropriate language and beautiful illustrations to help young readers begin to gain mastery over a complex concept like cancer. More importantly, this story honors the power of friendship by giving children tangible ideas for how to support a friend encountering a medical challenge. My Brave Friend is a must-read for patients and friends alike."

—Kellie Matters, Child Life Specialist, Washington, D.C.

"This beautifully written and illustrated story helps young readers understand cancer in a way that is both compassionate and empowering. A wonderful resource for educators and parents alike."

—Michael Davies-Hughes, Superintendent of Schools, California

"This book is an invaluable resource for parents, caregivers, and teachers seeking to help children understand cancer in a compassionate and age-appropriate way. Written in language that is accessible and engaging for young readers, it offers important facts while also encouraging children to respond in a child-friendly manner, such as making cards for a friend with cancer. I highly recommend this book for anyone or any group wishing to explain cancer to a younger child with empathy and clarity."

—Michelle Fritsch, LCSW, Pediatric Oncology Social Worker, Texas Children's Cancer & Hematology Centers

"This is a wonderful book to introduce the friends, and extended family, of a child with cancer on what is happening to Emma. The adults in the story meet the children where they are and answer the questions honestly, but reassuring is a big point in the book."

—Dr. Eva Perdahl-Wallace, Pediatric Oncologist, Washington, D.C.

From the Publisher