This weeks blog topic..... Realistic Fiction!

Book Title: Kathy's Hats: A Story of Hope
Author: Trudy Krisher

Illustrator: Nadine Bernard Westcott
Publisher: Albert Whitman & Company

Date Published: 1992
ISBN:  9780807541166
 

About the book:

As a young girl, Kathy always loved hats because they signified special times in her life. Then one year Kathy and her family receive some sad news, Kathy has been diagnosed with cancer. After going through chemotherapy and loosing her hair, Kathy wears hats to cover her head. Her feelings towards hats change and she no longer loves them like she did growing up. She feels embarrassed and sad that she has to where them when none of her other friends or classmates do. One day Kathy's mom helps her realize that if she uses her invisible thinking cap, it can help her to think differently about her sickness and feel better. After that, Kathy decides to put a bear pin on her hat which makes her feel happy. She wears it to school and everyone loves it. From that day on, Kathy wears her hat to school proudly and collects all different pins to wear on it. Even in the years after Kathy's recovery from cancer she cherishes her hats, especially her thinking cap. 

Book Review: 

Although it was heartbreaking to read about a young girl going through cancer, this stories message is uplifting. Written from a child's perspective, this story is geared toward's children and is a story of hope for other children going through cancer. With a little help from her mom, Kathy was able to take a not so good situation and make the best of it. This message can be relatable to children of all ages that may be struggling with other sicknesses or insecurities letting them know they're not alone and can get through it. Because of the overall message of this book and the impact that it could have, I give it a 5 out of 5.