SuitabookLiving with a parent’s cancer
Philip’s mother develops breast cancer, disrupting his previously happy life.
Loading your next page
Book details
Christine Hamill - Author
This is a family story about a boy facing his mother’s breast cancer alongside ordinary school and growing-up difficulties. Its humour may make a painful subject approachable, while the illness remains emotionally significant.
FAMILY & HOME STORIES (CHILDREN'S / TEENAGE). Philip is twelve years old and life is pretty good. He gets on with his mum and gets by pretty well at school - in spite of girl problems, teacher problems, bully problems and - er - poetry problems. Philip's happy-go-lucky life is disrupted when his mother gets breast cancer. Bad enough that your mother is seriously ill - but could she not have developed a less embarrassing kind of cancer - toe cancer, maybe, or ear cancer? Philip's attempts to cope with his situation are both hilarious and touching. Through it all, he's writing letters to his hero, the comedian Harry Hill, looking for advice. A hilarious take on the unfunny subject of cancer; this book brings one of modern life's most prevalent illnesses into the light and gives it a human face. Ages 9+
Book Brief
Sign in to see how this book fits your child and family preferences.
Sign in for personalised guidanceThis is a family story about a boy facing his mother’s breast cancer alongside ordinary school and growing-up difficulties. Its humour may make a painful subject approachable, while the illness remains emotionally significant.
Philip’s mother develops breast cancer, disrupting his previously happy life.
Philip finds his mother’s type of cancer embarrassing and writes letters to comedian Harry Hill seeking advice.
Check in around the cancer storyline and Philip’s reactions. Ask what feels funny, uncomfortable or confusing, and allow him to pause rather than expecting an immediate response.
This is a grounded book brief while Suitabook strengthens the analysis: the current material supports only a cautious reading; another book-specific source is still needed.
Book information
Limited information
Anything not established here remains open; it is not being treated as absent or safe.