About This Book
A parent might reach for this book when their family is navigating the prolonged stress and uncertainty of a loved one's serious illness. Boardwalk tells the story of two teenage sisters, Jessica and Laura, whose lives are turned upside down when their mother is diagnosed with cancer. The book honestly portrays the fear, anger, and strain that such a crisis places on family relationships, particularly between siblings with different coping styles. Appropriate for ages 12 and up, this story serves as a mirror for teens experiencing anticipatory grief and the complex guilt of wanting a normal life amidst tragedy. It provides comfort by validating these difficult feelings and showing a family that finds strength and love even in the darkest of times.
What Parents Should Know
Sensitive Topics
The book's approach to serious illness is direct, realistic, and secular. It does not shy away from the physical effects of cancer treatment or the emotional pain of the family. The central topic is living with the potential for death and anticipatory grief. The resolution is not a cure; it is realistic and bittersweet, ending with the family united in facing an uncertain future, which accurately reflects the experience of many families dealing with chronic or terminal illness.
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