Every day, they're called patient.
We call them .
Books That Heal helps children battling serious illnesses write and illustrate their very own children's books. We publish them, celebrate them at a real book signing, and never charge families a thing.
no deadlines, no pressure, never a cost
Every Books That Heal author gets...
Emma, our very first author
Emma wanted to help other kids be brave.
Emma Marques was six and fighting DIPG, an inoperable brain tumor. Her doctors called her a Warrior Princess. She sat through radiation treatments close to two hours long without anesthesia, and she wanted her story to help other kids facing the same thing.
So she wrote it, and she drew it. Emma the Brave became the very first Books That Heal book.
Emma passed away in 2016. Her book is still helping kids be brave, and her mom, Donna, now serves on our board.
Grace Elineauthor of Amazing Grace: Adventures of the Marvelous G!
Zahara Weeksauthor of Born a Warrior
Aaron Doriscaauthor of Aaron the Awesome
Maya Sinclairauthor of Shining Star
Karly Rathbunauthor of Karly's Neverland
Trent Judkins, Jr.author of A Boy with CF: His Story of Acceptance and EnduranceMcKenzie Barkerauthor of I am a Pompe Warrior
Fozzy Ambroseauthor of The Strength to Stand: Fozzy's FightBe the one who brings a child's story to life.
Book Buddies directly cover the cost of a child's book: the editing, the design, a professional illustrator when a child would rather not draw, and the printing. Your gift turns a story into a real book with a child's name on the cover.
Three-time Anthem Award winner for Humanitarian Action & Service
The Anthem Awards honor the most impactful mission-driven work around the world. Books That Heal has been recognized three times for Humanitarian Action & Service, for giving children facing serious illness their voice, their story, and a book with their name on the cover.
See our story in the newsHumanitarian Action & Service
Know a child with a story to tell?
Parents, child life specialists, nurses, and social workers can all start the conversation.
From first idea to publication!
Five steps, at your family's pace, with Books That Heal by your side the whole way.
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1
Say hello
Tell us about your child and their idea on our Start a Book form.
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2
Tell the story
Our Story Planner guides your child from beginning to end. Drawing is always optional.
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3
We make it a book
We work side by side with your family to edit and format every page, on your schedule.
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4
Off to our publisher
The publisher behind every one of our books adds the finishing touches, then sends final files back for your family to review.
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5
Published!
Once your family approves the final version, we submit it for publication. Your child is officially a published author, with their book on Amazon!
Kids writing for the next kid
Our authors don't just tell their stories. They write the book they wish someone had handed them.
Her advice for kids facing hospital visits: get used to the needles, and find the chocolate.
Getting an IV was the hardest part, so Drew and his mom made a plan. Now his book shares that plan with other kids.
She wrote so kids who lose someone they love will know they are not the only ones going through it.
She wants every reader to learn that all disabilities look different.