Out of the Shadow World

How can kids cope and encourage those with cancer? In Out of the Shadow World, Colleen Chao shares a story for young readers about childhood cancer, suffering, and joy.

Complicated Emotions

Pax Jackson is a 10-year old boy with cancer. In this book, he and his best friend Jayni set off on a fantastical adventure in search of the Healing Man. When they return from their journey, their friendship is strengthened and they are both changed for the better.

What I most appreciated about this book is how it addresses the inner struggles of both Pax and Jayni. While Pax is wounded by Jayni’s ignorance of suffering, Jayni is resentful of how Pax’s suffering has changed him. These are complicated emotions, and the book treats them seriously.

Empathetic and Encouraging

Pax and Jayni encounter various creatures and make different choices throughout the book. Their different worldviews are expressed in their words and actions. When Pax and Jayni meet the Healing Man, he gives them a hope that they both did not have before. This was a moving story to read and experience.

There is a theology of suffering contained in this book that is empathetic and encouraging. It is a beautiful work of art and a wonderfully blessed word of hope for those who are suffering — and for those who love them.

 

I received a media copy of Out of the Shadow World and this is my honest review. Find more of my book reviews and follow Dive In, Dig Deep on Instagram - my account dedicated to Bibles and books to see the beauty of the Bible and the role of reading in the Christian life. To read all of my book reviews and to receive all of the free eBooks I find on the web, subscribe to my free newsletter.