Warrior: A Patient's Courageous Quest: A Patient's Courageous Quest

by Shannon Stocker, Sarah K. Turner (Illustrator)

One young warrior, Maria, prepares herself--again--to battle through a dangerous land in order to reach the bell on the mountain, ring it, and rid her kingdom of beasts. The brave girl faces Serpent Sea, Fear Forest, and Monster Mountain with courage--and help from a few friends. Will she reach the bell this time? At the end of the day's disappointing quest, Maria returns to her hospital bed feeling beat. But her team reminds her of exactly who she is, a warrior. An allegory telling the courageous story of the millions of children battling cancers and chronic diseases--battling their own monsters every day.

Genres: Picture Books, Health, Animals, Childrens, Disability

40 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2023

Reviews

[Lisa Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this aloud to my niece tonight and at first, I was thinking, there’s a lot of words for a picture book! But we wanted to see if Maria would make it to ring the bell. Once she made it through the forest and her staff changed was when I realized where this was going. I started sobbing while still reading to my niece.

This book is so important for everyone! I highly recommend it!!

[Maria Powell · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Warrior: A Patient's Courageous Quest” depicts the strength and persistence of a tween fighting cancer. As an elementary school librarian and a mother of a brain tumor patient, I cannot sufficiently stress how much this book is needed. I am grateful that Shannon Stocker has used her experience and talent to support and teach others.

“Warrior” is a picture book written for all ages, with illustrations and a style that would especially appeal to those between ages 8 and 25. Sarah K. Turner’s bold pictures include both the adventurous allegory and the reality of a hospital stay. Although not everyone will have a bell to ring at the end of their battle, all can relate to the effort required to survive challenging situations. And, ALL need to better understand the hospital lifestyle. Whether a medical crisis affects us, a friend, or a family member, everyone will have the opportunity to utilize the messages of this book.

[Kathy Temean · Rating 5 out of 5]

To me, this seems like a much-needed book. So many children are fighting their own battles with the monsters that have taken over their bodies. It is scary even when an adult is stricken with a possibly fatal illness, so it must be a very scary place to navigate for a child.

I love that we get to see the hospital and the loving people who care for Maria. Perhaps, this will lessen a sick child's fears when they enter a hospital. Sarah's use of bold colors and graphic novel-style illustrations, along with Shannon's tale of heroism and adventure will sweep every young reader away and definitely keep them turning every page.

I also love that there is so much heart in this book and I enjoyed reading the 8 Tips On How To Treat A Service Dog In Public at the end of the book. I am sure it will also help families and friends to deal with someone who is struggling to get well and provide them comfort.

[Barbara · Rating 3 out of 5]

Few children's books tackle the difficult topic of challenging health issues such as cancer. This picture book does so through the use of an allegory of a quest pursued by Maria and her dog Hercules. Together, they face many challenges as depicted in the illustrations. There are mountains, fog, and even fierce dragons that seek to block their way. Through it all, they persevere even though it's hard. As Maria nears her goal, the narrative shifts, and readers realize that she's actually a hospital patient whose there for treatment. Although she might not be a warrior in the classic sense, she's certainly one in her battle for her life. The text and scenes depicting the hospital and her treatment as well as how her caregivers celebrate her victories are encouraging and provide glimpse of what it must be like to be in Maria's situation.

[Ellen Leventhal · Rating 5 out of 5]

This allegory of young Maria conquering beasts to get to the bell on a faraway peak will leave you breathless. But it is more than that. This is a beautifully and honestly written look at a young cancer patient's journey. The bell she is after is the one signaling the end of her treatment. Although this book doesn't downplay the fear, pain, and difficulties of cancer, it is inspiring as Maria is reminded that she will get through it because she is a warrior. Author, Shannon Stocker, has traveled this bumpy and scary road with her daughter, who is also a warrior, which makes her words ring especially true. Sarah K Turner's illustrations combined with Stocker's powerful words blend to make a book in which children fighting against cancer or other chronic illnesses will see themselves and always remember that they are warriors.

[Yvona Fast · Rating 5 out of 5]

With her dog at her side, Maria must overcome pain, fear, and other challenges on her journey to ring the bell at the top of Monster Mountain. But Maria is a warrior, and she will overcome!
This story is an allegory of the painful journey of cancer patients. The book was born from the author’s journey, traveling the painful road of cancer with her young daughter.
Children struggling with cancer or other debilitating diseases will be able to find hope in Maria’s courageous journey.
Highly recommended for warriors, young and old alike!

[Judy Shemtob · Rating 5 out of 5]

WARRIOR, A PATIENT’S COURAGEOUS QUEST written by Shannon Otto Stocker and illustrated by Sarah K Turner Art gives a child strength to combat the most difficult of quests. This brave story tells how Maria reaches her goal with her dog Hercules, who helps her every step of the way in both the allegory and her hospital stay. As the Mermaid says, “You can do this.” This book is great for all children. We all need to be warriors in life, and the author's experience makes her the perfect person to write this story. Sleeping Bear Press 2023.

[Joan Marr · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is an inspiring look at the journey of a young cancer patient as she aims to ring the bell signaling the end of her treatment and her victory over the cancer monsters. It highlights the inner strength and optimism that these young warriors need, while also touching on their fears and the very real struggle they face. It's a beautiful look at the process, and frames it in a way that will help young people struggling with this disease focus on their own inner strength. Highly recommend.

[Laura Roettiger · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! "You can do this. You are a Warrior." Those words of encouragement gave me the chills as I read this beautiful book that is hopeful yet not Pollyanna-ish with every journey being its own fight. I love the emotional struggle on each page and of course the pup by her side is wonderful! Truly a work of art and as a personal story by the very talented author, she really put her heart and soul on each page.

[Michal Babay · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautifully written and illustrated, inspiring, heartfelt, and deeply personal to the author (as she shares in her author's note). This book about childhood cancer, a courageous patient, and her brave service dog (again, based on the author's real life child and her service dog) belongs on every bookshelf. Absolutely special and spectacular book.

[Genevieve · Rating 4 out of 5]

It’s has such a beautiful message about being brave during a tough situation. I got to hear the author and her daughter speak about their respective heath challenges. It’s so encouraging to see how God has gotten them through. They also stressed being ones on health advocate and how important that is.

[Sophia Gholz · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful book for all children! Whether or not your child suffers from a chronic illness, this tale of heroism and adventure will sweep every young reader away. The graphic novel style illustrations are fun and full of color. The language and imagery are absolutely beautiful. A must read!

[Lauren Kerstein · Rating 5 out of 5]

This gorgeous books not only fills a gap in the market, but will also fill your heart.

[Alice · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars
Excellent representation of a cancer patient's fight to ring the bell

[kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very well done, has to explain it to my 7.5yo but it was appropriate and made sense when he got more info

[Josh Peatfield · Rating 5 out of 5]

Watery eyed by the end. Probably a good read aloud if you can get through it in one piece.

[Genetta · Rating 5 out of 5]

This beautiful allegory tells a powerful story for children facing cancer and chronic illness and for their friends and family.