My Brave Friend: Emma and Noah Face Cancer Together

When a classmate is diagnosed with cancer, children and their teachers need tools to help. In partnership with Hopecam, we’ve written a children’s book: My Brave Friend: Emma and Noah Face Cancer Together, coming spring 2025!

Art from a children's book - a boy hugs a girl in a hospital bed while their parents look on

Praise for My Brave Friend: Emma and Noah Face Cancer Together

“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.

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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 make 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.

Based on our Livestrong at School curriculum, this heartfelt book aims to change the way students in kindergarten through second grade learn about cancer. Emma and Noah’s story will be available this spring, and we can’t wait for you to meet these special friends. Join our email list to be the first to know when you can add this meaningful book to your shelf.