Hip Hip Hooray!!! We are singing Happy Book Birthday for a very special book that is near and dear to my heart. It’s actually based on a true story in the life of the author’s family – but it hits home for me, too. Cancer has visited my family – my mother, grandmother, sister, niece, cousin…and myself. And when I heard about BRAVE LIKE MOM by Monica Acker, illustrated by Paran Kim and published by Beaming Books, I was excited to share it with all of you. I recently got to meet Monica in person at a book event for one of my CPs, Carrie Finison, at the wonderful Silver Unicorn bookstore in Acton, MA. It’s always special to get to hug writer friends…and Monica is not only talented, but generous as well…she’s offering a giveaway of a 20-minute Zoom critique chat!! Please make sure you leave a comment on the blog post and share on social media and tag friends…that’s a great way to help authors and illustrators.

Here’s a little bit about BRAVE LIKE MOM from the Amazon sales page:
As one girl watches her mom battle illness, she sees Mom being strong, brave, and fierce on both good days and bad ones. Mom is fierce as she catches and wrestles a fish and brave as she endures needles from the doctor. The girl wants to be brave like Mom! As she worries about her mom’s health, the girl realizes that bravery comes in many forms and that she can be brave too.
A poignant and sensitive story about a loved one living with a chronic illness, and an important lesson about how being brave doesn’t mean you aren’t scared.

As I mentioned, the story is based on a true story. Monica stopped by to share a bit about how the book came to be and what she hopes the book will do:
MONICA: A bit more about my book: BRAVE LIKE MOM is about a child who is inspired to be brave and strong like her mom, who is living with a serious illness. The book launches today, November 1, 2022 with Beaming Books, and the talented Paran Kim is illustrating. I wrote this story for my sister-in-law and nieces when my sister-in-law was battling cancer. After she passed away, working on the story was an act of healing for me, and my hope is that readers will recognize the strength and bravery they already have.
Thank you so much, Monica, for sharing with us. And thank you for creating a story that will help other families.
Dear readers, we can do our part…we can help the book become successful. We can buy a copy, review it, tell friends about it, and ask our local library to purchase copies for their collection. I hope you do at least one of these things for BRAVE LIKE MOM!
And I hope you all have a wonderful week! I’ll be chatting today with an editor about a manuscript of mine that she received…she’s looking for revision…and I’m ready! Then on Wednesday, I’ll be presenting Sweet Dreams, Sarah on a virtual platform to classes in the Chicago Public Schools. And I’m wishing good luck to all who entered Susanna Hill’s Halloweensie Contest.
I’m teary already! This is such an important story to share with kids ❤
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Thank you for reading! I hope it can be helpful for children and families.
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I’m absolutely certain it will be! ❤
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Such an important book! I’m working on a book now that deals with illness and death (very different)–such a hard topic to write about for the very young. I’m eager to see how you handled it in this beautiful book.
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The trick for me was to let my heart do the talking. I hope you like it.
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Thank you, Mary. I hope so ❤️
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Happy Book Birthday, Monica! This book, created in healing and hope, will find a home in the hearts of many families. All the best!
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Congratulations, Monica! I hope that all kids facing their parents’ illness will find this book and take strength from it.
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Thank you! I hope so ❤️
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What a beautiful book, that was written straight from the heart. Such a meaningful message of life and love. Congratulations, Monica!
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Thank you so much, Steena!
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Thank you for this much-needed book!
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Thank you!
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Wow, such a beautiful book! I really think we need this book. I’m sorry to hear about your loss. What a wonderful way to remember and honor your sister-in-law! Congratulations!
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Thank you! ❤️
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Thanks so much, Kim!
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What a wonderful topic to address. Congratulations, Monica!
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Thank you, Kim.
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This story hits home for me too having lost my sister to cancer and knowing my son’s partner’s mother also battled this horrible disease. Even though their daughters were adults when their mothers passed, the pain of that loss and the struggle to be brave is still very real for both of them. Brave Like Mom is a book for both young and old children. Thank-you.
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Thank you. It truly is for everyone ❤️
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This sounds beautiful and heartwarming. Thank you for sharing this story with the world.
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Thank you and thank you for reading!
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My mom had breast cancer when I was in first grade. It was very scary. She lost all her hair and I didn’t understand everything that was happening. I ordered my copy and can’t wait for it to come!
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I’m sorry, Melissa. It is scary to see our loved ones go through that. Hugs!
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Thank you! I hope so ❤️
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Looks painful, beautiful and important. I’m sure kids out there will find solace in this book. Looking forward to this read.
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Sounds like a beautiful story, Monica and Vivian. I can’t wait to read it.
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Thank you Hilary! I appreciate the support.
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I have read and reviewed BRAVE LIKE MOM!. Monica addressed this topic beautifully!
I know it will be a source of comfort to many families!
Congratulations Monica and Paran! 😊
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Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!
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So sorry for your loss, Monica. And thank you for addressing such an important topic for kids. I look forward to reading it.
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Thank you. I hope you like it.
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I’m eager to read this one. Congrats!
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Thank you! I appreciate you reading.
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I’ve walked this path with family and friends. Looking forward to reading your book.
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It’s not an easy one. Thank you for reading ❤️
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congratulations, Monica! I’m so very happy to see this book published! I knew it would be a special winner from the very first draft!
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Thank you for all of your support! I’m sooo lucky!
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