Overview

A scary health crisis puts Han on a journey that will test his resiliency, strain his relationships, and reveal who his true and supportive friends really are. First comes the cancer diagnosis. The treatment requires hospital stays, extended absences from school, and a time out from the basketball team. With his health uncertain, Han can't stop himself from wondering if his life is about to be cut short. When he hears the good news that his cancer is in remission, there's jubilation and relief. But a second challenge now weighs on him. How will his teammates and classmates treat him when he comes back to school? At the start of his treatment, they offered lots of encouragement and support. They showered him with get-well wishes and silly cards. His basketball buddies texted and messaged, making Han feel connected and part of the group. But as the days out of school and away from friends turned to weeks, and the weeks turned to months, Han felt a shift. Conversations became more infrequent. Interactions felt more awkward. Everyone, it seemed, was acting different. And now, as Han gets ready to come back to the classroom, he questions if he will fit in. He wonders if the laughs, jokes, and good times with his teammates are over. He fears his relationships are never going to be the same. I'm Sick, But That's Not What Hurts is a dramatic, thought-provoking chapter book that highlights the importance of friends and family, belonging and connection. Young readers are reminded that when life throws hard punches, the best way to respond is with courage, patience, and grit. Educators and group leaders can supplement the story with a Teacher and Counselor Activity Guide. The guide provides self-reflection questions and activities, including group work and role-play, to engage readers more deeply with the text. Award-winning author and school counselor Jennifer Licate's celebrated series, Navigating Friendships, also includes these popular titles: Faking Happiness, Feeling Sadness; Why Is Drama Always Following Me?; My Anxiety Is Messing Things Up;He's Not Just Teasing!;I Lost My BFF; and Am I Weird? Her award-winning Nurturing Independence series includes the recently released My Schoolwork Is a Mess!, a chapter book for middle school students stuck in the dreaded homework hole.

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Reviews

A really poignant resource for young readers dealing with sickness in their lives--whether they're ill themselves or have a friend who is struggling. This gives an honest look at the flawed but well-intentioned responses folks can have to illness, especially when they're younger. -Carolyn S, Librarian and Early Reviewer As a school nurse and mom, I would encourage anyone - children and adults - to read this wonderful book about a child going through an illness, and the ripple effect it has on multiple lives. The book gives an insightful perspective on what the child is going through and addresses the child's anxiety, isolation, and depression. I'm Sick, but That's Not What Hurts is an excellent resource for children and adults who are facing life-changing events and how that can affect their relationships with family and friends. -Cindy Babcock, School Nurse This book is poignant, evocative, and honest in many ways. It reflects on topics such as chronic illness and how people around us react to it. That's exactly what Han experienced when his friend at school learned about his leukemia diagnosis. They didn't know how to respond to such unprecedented and unfortunate news, and Han felt they were treating him differently. In reality, they were just concerned about saying the wrong thing or asking uncomfortable questions. I loved Mrs. Torres' character -- a supportive and compassionate teacher who welcomed Han back to class when he was in remission and addressed his classmates' questions sensitively and thoughtfully. Han's mom was his greatest supporter. She recognized that her son was less concerned about his illness and more about how his classmates would treat him after learning about it. Her pep talk encouraged him and helped him focus on living a normal life. The book also introduces educational terms such as leukemia, remission, and more. A lovely, educational read with thought-provoking insights.- Mariam M, Early Reviewer

Author Information

An award-winning author and veteran school counselor, Jennifer Licate has more than a decade's worth of experience supporting children's social and emotional growth. Her books help children understand complex issues by immersing them in true-to-life stories that highlight multiple perspectives. Jennifer's career as a counselor and her life as a mother have taught her a universal truth: all children want to be loved, valued, and respected for the unique individuals they are. She channels this truth in her writing, making each young reader feel like the stories speak directly to them.

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