{"product_id":"im-sick-but-thats-not-what-hurts-a-story-about-absence-empathy-and-friendship-9798889070283","title":"I'm Sick, But That's Not What Hurts: A Story about Absence, Empathy, and Friendship","description":"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. \u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e 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. \u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e How will his teammates and classmates treat him when he comes back to school? \u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e 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. \u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e 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. \u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ci\u003eI'm Sick, But That's Not What Hurts\u003c\/i\u003e 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. \u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e Educators and group leaders can supplement the story with a \u003ci\u003eTeacher and Counselor Activity Guide.\u003c\/i\u003e The guide provides self-reflection questions and activities, including group work and role-play, to engage readers more deeply with the text. \u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e Award-winning author and school counselor Jennifer Licate's celebrated series, \u003ci\u003eNavigating Friendships\u003c\/i\u003e, also includes these popular titles: \u003ci\u003eFaking Happiness, Feeling Sadness; Why Is Drama Always Following Me?; My Anxiety Is Messing Things Up;\u003c\/i\u003e\u003ci\u003eHe's Not Just Teasing!;\u003c\/i\u003e\u003ci\u003eI Lost My BFF;\u003c\/i\u003e and \u003ci\u003eAm I Weird?\u003c\/i\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e Her award-winning \u003ci\u003eNurturing Independence \u003c\/i\u003eseries includes the recently released \u003ci\u003eMy Schoolwork Is a Mess!\u003c\/i\u003e, a chapter book for middle school students stuck in the dreaded homework hole.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eBinding Type:\u003c\/b\u003e Paperback\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003ePublisher:\u003c\/b\u003e Boys Town Press\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003ePublished:\u003c\/b\u003e 08\/19\/2025\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eISBN:\u003c\/b\u003e 9798889070283\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003ePages:\u003c\/b\u003e 47\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eWeight:\u003c\/b\u003e 0.08lbs\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eSize:\u003c\/b\u003e 8.80h x 5.80w x 0.30d","brand":"Jennifer Licate","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":52774187892917,"sku":"9798889070283","price":11.01,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"url":"https:\/\/pastforward.org\/products\/im-sick-but-thats-not-what-hurts-a-story-about-absence-empathy-and-friendship-9798889070283","provider":"Past Forward","version":"1.0","type":"link"}