Sickle Cell Books You Need

Last week, I was putting my nephew to bed and he asked me to tell him a story. At first, I wanted to take the easy route and make up a story as I go along (which I often do) but then I thought, I could just ask Alexa to do the heavy lifting and read us a children's book from Audible. Before I could decide, my nephew pointed to my bookshelf and said "I want that one." With nothing but a dim night light, I pulled out the book and it was "Super Cells" by sickle cell author and fellow warrior, Princess Walls.

As I glanced at the cover, I wondered if this was the right time to educate my 4-year-old nephew on all things sickle cell. We have fun with our coloring book "The ABC's of Sickle Cell Disease" by fellow community leader, Elle Cole but he's more focused on painting in the lines, I wondered. I decided to stop overthinking and just read the book and I can say that it was so well worth it.

A room without books is like a body without a soul

When I was younger, there were hardly any books on sickle cell disease. I filled my head with Famous Five by Enid Blyton, Without a Silver Spoon by Eddie Iroh, and Eze Goes to School by Onuora Nzekwu. If you're a millennial born in Africa, you know one of these books by name. Although Nigeria has one of the highest sickle cell patient populations in the world, there were no books at the library or in my house to teach me how to see my blood disease as my superpower. All I received were short prayers and repetitions of the phrase "God is going to heal you" in different dialects/languages.

These are a few of my favorite sickle cell things

My work in advocacy has helped me discover books that are truly changing the lives of patients and caregivers across the globe. Back in the day, we learned by experiencing things but now, the internet is the biggest library there is and with whom much is given, much is expected so I'm sharing some amazing reads that every parent should buy and every warrior should have. Let each one, teach one.

1. Breaking The Sickle: A Snippet of the Life of Dr. Yvette Fay Francis-McBarnette by Louie T. McClain II - This book is a snippet of the life of a pioneering pediatrician who saved and prolonged the lives of people battling sickle cell anemia; her life's work became a U.S. medical policy. You can read along with Melanin Origins as she presents a childlike perspective of the formula that broke the cycle of sickle cell disease.
2. Sickle Cell Superstars: Jamal and Imani: A Guide for Kids by Gunner Doyle -  This book is an empowering children's book about sickle cell traits and sickle cell disease. It teaches young readers about their special blood and how to stay healthy and strong using engaging illustrations and easy-to-understand language. Sickle Cell Superstars celebrates the strength and resilience of children with sickle cell anemia and their loved ones.
3. The Ultimate Sickle Cell Activity Book: An Educational Resource for Preteens and Teens by Elle Cole - This book is an educational resource for anyone who wants to learn more about sickle cell disease. It educates readers from start to finish using word searches, crossword puzzles, secret codes, writing prompts, fill-in-the-blanks, and more. This activity book is an excellent tool for parents, educators, healthcare workers, or caregivers to teach young people as they enter the transition phase from pediatric to adult care.
4. Clemmie: Walter Clement Noel and the Discovery of Sickle Cell Disease by Chanel Arrington - This book tells the story of Clemmie’s real-life adventure, which takes us on a trip to his home country, Grenada.  It shares his journey through childhood and teenage years depicting a mysterious villain, sickle cell disease, and its scary health challenges. Through his determination and strength, Clemmie sets goals, dreams big, and moves far from home to become a dentist, all while dealing with a never-before-seen illness.
5. Hope and Destiny: The Patient and Parent's Guide to Sickle Cell Disease and Sickle Cell Trait by Allan F. Platt Jr. P.A.-C. M.M.Sc., James Eckman, M.D., and Lewis Hsu, M.D. Ph.D - This book provides clear-cut and in-depth information on living with sickle cell disease. It offers the latest information on preventing complications, sickle cell research, and treatment. The knowledge that patients and family members need is organized in an easy-to-read format that promotes overall healthy living.