This concise, accessible handbook for families, friends and carers of children with seizures provides all the information they need to approach seizures from a position of strength. This reassuring, informal, and upbeat book will reinforce and help clarify the discussion with the child’s treating medical professional.

The Cleveland Clinic Guide to Epilepsy. Elaine Wylie, $18.99

Many myths surround epilepsy and it’s hard to separate them from the facts. The Cleveland Clinic Guide to Epilepsy offers the facts, current research and treatment information, insights and inspiring stories. This encouraging book offers guidance to all ages.

Epilepsy Explained: a Book for People Who Want to Know More. M. Reuber, S. Schachter, C. Elger & U. Altrup, $27.00

Filled with illustrations on almost every page and boasting an attractive and stimulating layout, Epilepsy Explained offers a wealth of crystal clear information on epilepsy, intended for patients, family members, friends, and caregivers.

This down-to-earth book is divided into easy-to-digest sections that address such fundamental questions as what epilepsy is, what happens in different types of epileptic seizures, how epilepsy is diagnosed, and how seizures are treated. The book includes information for particular groups of readers such as women, children, and teens. It has an easy-to-follow organization, is clearly structured and has a detailed index and glossary, allowing readers to easily find specific information pertaining to their condition.

Written by physicians who work daily with epilepsy, this clear and engaging book provides people with the knowledge they need to make informed choices about their illness.

In their own words, children and parents vividly describe the experiences of handling the crisis of the initial seizure, adjusting to the diagnosis of epilepsy, coping with seizures, managing medications and side effects, and dealing with health care providers, teachers, schoolmates, siblings, and friends. These accounts provide realistic insights into the myriad issues encountered in living with childhood epilepsy. The book also includes a straightforward medical discussion of childhood seizures; a glossary of medical terms; and a guide for schoolteachers and parents.

Epilepsy and Pregnancy. Stacey Chillemi & Blanca Vazquez, $22.00

An essential guide to any woman with epilepsy who needs clear, reliable information on pregnancy and related issues.

There are many different types of epilepsy, and each type has different behavioral effects and is treated with different methods. This book, written specifically for a teen audience, dispels the myths, misconceptions, and misunderstandings about epilepsy and people who have the disorder. It provides positive, factual medical information and advice for teens on living a normal life by understanding the symptoms; being alert to the signs and factors that precipitate seizures; and educating themselves about treatment methods, medications, and management strategies.

Life Disrupted is a personal and unflinching guide to living well with a chronic illness: managing your own health care without letting it take over your life, dealing with difficult doctors and frequent hospitalizations, having a productive and satisfying career that accommodates your health needs, and nurturing friendships and a loving, committed relationship regardless of recurring health problems.

Mommy I Feel Funny! A Child’s Experience of Epilepsy. Danielle Rocheford, illustrated by Chris Herrick, $15.95

Mommy, I Feel Funny is based on a true story of Nel, a little girl who experiences having an epileptic seizure for the first time. The story takes you through the days immediately following her first seizure, bringing out Nel’s thoughts, fears and emotions, which are common with the discovery, understanding and acceptance of epilepsy. Having experienced epilepsy first hand for twenty-five years, the author shares her feelings through a child’s eye.

My Daddy Has Epilepsy. Stacey Chillemi, $23.95
My Mommy Has Epilepsy. Stacey Chillemi, $18.95

These two books use simple illustrations and text to explain to children what epilepsy is and what to do when someone is having a seizure.

100 Questions & Answers about Your Child’s Epilepsy. Anuradha Singh, $21.95

An excellent, practical resource for learning about and working with the medical and emotional effects on a child with epilepsy.