Children's Books on Kidney Donation and Transplant
Living kidney donation and kidney transplant can be an exciting—and sometimes confusing—time for the whole family. NKDO Mentor Lynn Bolduc has put together a list of recommended books about kidney donation for children ages 4-12.
Whether you’re a parent, transplant professional or know someone who will be giving or getting a kidney, these recommendations are worth checking out!
A New Kidney for Mom: Medical Tales for Small People
By Cornita Cole (ages 4-12) This story features a young girl coping with her mom’s illness and need for a kidney transplant. Dad uses dolls and beans to explain where the kidneys are located and why Mom is sick. It’s a picture-filled book with a happy ending.
My Mom is Having Surgery
By Brenda E. Cortez (ages 8-12) Follow Kailey, a 5th grader, as her mom donates a kidney to a classmate’s mom. The book covers donation, hospital days, and the role of children in recovery. It’s got lots of pictures and is probably best for grade school kids.
Howl Learns About Kidneys and Dialysis
By Brenda E. Cortez (grade school) Howl the Owl learns about kidneys and dialysis when his grandpa needs a transplant. This book explains living and cadaver donations. It also shares strategies the family uses to spread the word to get a find a living donor for Grandpa. This book is full of pictures and also includes real-life photos of the people behind the story.
Howl is Thankful for kidney donation
By Brenda E. Cortez and Jean M. Sime (ages 4-12) Two owl friends navigate chronic kidney disease and dialysis. Turtles, kangaroos and bunnies help spread the word about the need for a living donor. It features lots of illustrations as well as real-life photos of the kidney donor and kidney recipient co-authors.
Sean and the book cures: the great sacrifice...can you spare a kidney?
By Chante Thomas (ages 7-12) Two cousins in a book club research kidney disease and discover one cousin’s mom needs a transplant. The story highlights personal values and organ donation as an act of love. It’s appropriate for middle school students and includes some illustrations.