Mom Goes to War

K-Gr 4—A homespun tale resounding with contemporary issues, mainly that of a mother facing cancer and the subsequent prospect of explaining her illness to her beloved sons. The story assumes the form of an allegorical fairy tale in which the woman's body becomes the battleground where a personal war against the illness is waged: her red and white blood cells portrayed as soldiers, her ganglions as watchtowers, and cancerous cells as rebels attacking a host of other cells personified in whimsical illustrations. Although these folksy drawings are top-notch and the premise of using allegory to explain the workings of cancer is quite effective, the narrative retains a personal tone and scope that seems a bit one-dimensional as it lacks lively language, imagery, or literary device. This story may appeal to boys more than to girls, especially as it is riddled with superficially bellicose verbiage of warfare. Though lackluster in literary technique, the picturesque illustrations, compelling conceptualization, and poignant story of a mother's struggle to survive will both inform and stimulate children.—Kathryn Diman, Bass Harbor Memorial Library, Bernard, ME