Rhian Nest James

John's favorite thing in the whole world is toppling dominoes - his next favorite thing is his group of friends. When his best friend leaves their fifth grade classroom one day because he is sick, it is the start of trying to keep himself (and his friend) from toppling, because he's not just sick, he has cancer. As John comes to terms with his friend's illness and the changes it brings, he begins to change, too.

I loved that this was such a quick read. I don't know if young readers who didn't have a connection with this topic would appreciate it as much as those who do - but it would be just enough to let those readers know that they are not alone and the best thing you can do for a friend in need is just to be there and be you. The ending is a little corny, but in a kids book about cancer, what can you expect?… (mere)