Books About Asthma

These books may be useful when teaching children the facts of asthma—they are meant to inform and entertain. They are also a good way of helping families share reading time together. All books are in print, and can be ordered on-line through Amazon.com or special-ordered at a local bookstore.

The ABC's of Asthma
(ages 5-7)
Kim Gosselin

Very easy ABC book. Provides basic information about asthma.

All About Asthma
(ages 7-11)
William Ostrow and Vivian Ostrow

Written by a young boy with asthma and his mother. Talks to kids the way kids talk. A realistic book about asthma and its effects on a child.

The Babysitter's Club: Welcome to the BSC, Abby
(ages 11-15)
Ann M. Martin

#90 in the Babysitter's Club series. Abby, a new girl in town, joins the club. Trouble comes when she is rushed to the hospital with an asthma attack while babysitting. Deals with mature family subject matter and a young girl's concerns about controlling asthma.

I'm Tougher Than Asthma
(ages 5-10)
Alden R. Carter and Siri M. Carter

Written by a young girl with asthma and her mother. Includes photos of the girl and her family. Includes a resource section.

Jackie Joyner-Kersee: Champion Athlete
(ages 13-17)

Story of the athlete's career, including her struggle with asthma.

Kids Breathe Free: A Parent's Guide for Treating Children with Asthma
(Parents and Children ages 5-9)
Pritchett & Hull Associates, Inc.

Written for parents, but the simple text and cartoon pictures make it a good book to share with children. Includes charts, treatment plans and resources.

The Lion Who Had Asthma
(ages 5-7)
Jonathan London

Written for the young child with asthma. Sean loves to pretend he is a lion, but must first cope with his asthma. Easy text and colorful pictures.

Sportsercise!
(Teachers and Children ages 6-9)
Kim Gosselin

Justin is afraid to join his school team due to asthma. But after talking to his doctor and teachers, he takes control and goes on to win the Sportsercise trophy. Upbeat.

Taking Asthma to School
(Teachers and Children ages 6-9)
Kim Gosselin

Told by a child with asthma. Lively pictures. Includes the "Asthma Kids Quiz" and ten tips for teachers. Great to share in class.

Zooallergy
(ages 6-9)
Kim Gosselin

Story of a trip to the allergist and then a trip to the zoo. Asthma triggers are found, and fun is had by all.

The following titles listed are for parents and/or more mature readers.

All About Asthma: Stop Suffering and Start Living
Irwin J. Polk, M.D.

Focuses on patient education. Discusses the lungs and how they work. Describes the role of allergies in asthma, drug choices and breathing exercises. Includes a section on asthma in children.

American Medical Association Essential Guide to Asthma

Focuses on finding and maintaining an active treatment plan. Also discusses asthma triggers, choosing a doctor and handling asthma emergencies.

Ask the Doctor: Asthma
Vincent Friedewald, M.D.

Provides a wide range of asthma-related information in small paragraphs. Follows up each section with questions that help the reader apply information to their own lives.

Asthma: The Complete Guide to Self Management of Asthma and Allergies for Patients and Their Families
Allan M. Weinstein, M.D.

Focuses on understanding asthma and its triggers. Includes helpful sample management programs. Recommended by Nancy Sander, the founder of Mothers of Asthmatics.

Childhood Asthma: What It Is and What You Can Do
Dr. Neil Buchman, Dr. Peter Cooper

Covers the basics of asthma, its causes and diagnosis. Describes asthma, from mild to severe. Has a good section on explaining asthma to children. Very easy to read.

Family Guide To Asthma And Allergies: How You and Your Children Can Breathe Easier
The American Lung Association Asthma Advisory Group with Norman H. Edelman, M.D.

Focuses on the family's role in caring for children with asthma. Includes what to tell your child's school, the benefits of exercise, taking trips and trigger-proofing your home. Lists asthma camps and resources. Very useful.

A Parent's Guide to Asthma: How You Can Help Your Child Control Asthma at Home, School and Play
Nancy Sander

By Nancy Sander, the founder of the National Allergy and Asthma Network*Mothers of Asthmatics. Sander writes about her daughter's history of allergies and severe asthma. Covers asthma triggers, finding a good doctor, understanding asthma treatment and using asthma tools. Explains how to manage asthma in many situations.

Your Child: Asthma
Erika Harvey

The former editor of Here's Health and Parents covers the causes and treatments of childhood asthma. Discusses how to manage asthma from babyhood through late teens. Includes ways to help children handle their feelings about asthma.

Download: a printable version of this document.