The Summer My Dad Got Sick - by Riyan Vakil (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

A Brave Second Grader's Journey: Overcoming Fear, Embracing Change, and Finding Hope in Dad's Battle with Cancer. A Story of Growth and Love.

The Summer My Dad Got Sick is a captivating and inspirational story with a heartwarming blend of courage, resilience, and optimism. Our young hero is a second-grader whose world is turned upside down when his dad is diagnosed with blood cancer. Through his innocent eyes, we see a blend of emotions from confusion, sadness, frustration to anger. Yet, this brave second grader does not let these emotions overpower him. He channels his feelings into helping his mom and sister and doing chores, showing maturity beyond his years.

The story beautifully captures his everyday struggles, like missing his dad at baseball games and school activities, and his efforts to understand the complex world of illnesses. His curiosity about his dad's condition leads him to spend valuable time with his father, learning about his treatment and planning future family trips. It's during these moments that he starts noticing the physical changes in his dad, like hair loss and weight loss due to the treatment of his illness.

Yet, despite these changes, his hope never wanes. He dreams of a day when his dad would be well enough to play baseball with him again. The story takes a turn when his dad has to be hospitalized for a month. Through this separation, he learns to cope with his feelings and looks forward to welcoming his dad back home.

The Summer My Dad Got Sick is a tale of a young boy's journey to becoming a pillar of strength for his family. His optimism shines through when he throws a 'welcome back' party for his dad, celebrating his cancer-free return. The narrative ends on a note of gratitude, happiness, and a reaffirmed belief in positivity.

This book is a beacon of hope, love, and resilience for children going through similar situations. It's a testament to the fact that even in the darkest times, we can find strength within ourselves and hold on to hope for a brighter tomorrow. The Summer My Dad Got Sick is not just a book; it's an experience that will inspire and empower its young readers.