Staring Down the Dragon

by Dorothea N. Buckingham

When Rell DeMello went back to Kailua High after being treated for cancer, some kids called her brave; some said she was a hero. But, Rell didn't want to be a hero, she wanted to be normal, Rell "before cancer." Besides, she knew she wasn't brave. When Dr. Baden told her she had cancer, she cried. And after all the surgeries, the chemotherapy and radiation, Dr. Braden didn't say "You don't have cancer anymore." He said, "I find no evidence of cancer." Rell cried again. "No evidence" - like weeds in a garden, creeping under the surface, until one day a pale green shoot pops through the ground and chokes all the budding flowers. Rell hated cancer. She hated the word. When kids asked her if she was cured she'd say, It's not like that. It wasn't the answer they wanted to hear. They wanted a storybook ending with a handsome prince and a gallant white horse - not Nate Lee and his rust-bucket truck. They wanted a perfect life movie of a blonde cheerleader who got cancer, almost died, was cured and, when she went back to school, was crowned Homecoming Queen. It was just like Rell's life except for the part about being blonde, a cheerleader, Homecoming Queen and... cured.

232 pages, Paperback

First published December 1, 2003

Reviews

[Kim · Rating 4 out of 5]

When you hear those words - your child has cancer - you spiral. A teenager, approaching her future, it’s hard not to freak out, face it. Doesn’t matter what kind it is, or the recovery rate, it’s still the C word, something you wouldn’t wish upon your worst enemy. Books like this help you contain your thoughts and your demons, and move forward to fight the fight as they say. Dwelling on the diagnosis does nothing - it’s all about forward motion. It helped me, I hope it helps others as well.

[Tara · Rating 1 out of 5]

All I can remember is that I truly disliked this book. It was more than predictable, but wholly unbelievable. I never connected with the characters. At most, I felt that this book could possibly find its fans in pre-teens. I do not recommend it.

[Stephanie A. · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good story that I really haven't seen too much of - a cancer survivor returning to high school.