Maybe One Day

A parent would reach for this book when their teenager is navigating the sudden illness of a close friend or struggling with the 'survivor guilt' that comes with being healthy while a peer suffers. It is an essential choice for families looking to validate the messy, unpolished emotions of a teen caregiver or best friend who feels like their world has been upended. The story follows two best friends, Zoe and Olivia, whose shared dreams of professional ballet are shattered when Olivia is diagnosed with leukemia. While the book focuses on the medical reality of cancer, its true heart lies in the exploration of loyalty, anger, and the difficult transition from being a duo to standing alone. Kantor captures the high school experience with authenticity, making it appropriate for ages 12 and up. Parents might choose this to open a dialogue about grief and to reassure their child that feeling frustrated or 'selfish' during a friend's crisis is a normal part of the process.