I'm Sick, But That's Not What Hurts: A story about absence, empathy, and friendship

by Jennifer Licate, Suzanne Beaky (Illustrator)

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.

Kindle Edition

Published August 10, 2025

About the author

Jennifer is an award-winning children's book author who has worked as a school counselor for over a decade. She loves writing social and emotional learning books to help children and preteens through challenging times. Her books teach children strategies to work through their issue and the stories give children the comfort of knowing they're not alone in their struggles.

Through working as a school counselor, Jennifer sees the benefits of social emotional learning books firsthand. Children lose themselves as they're immersed within the stories. They're able to understand complex issues from so many different perspectives by seeing the story through the eyes of the characters.

Counseling children of all ages (as well as raising two children of her own) has taught Jennifer a universal truth: all children want to be loved, valued and respected for the unique individuals they are. She channels this truth, the importance of providing support for children as they navigate social and emotional issues and her love for creativity into all her children's books. Her goal is that all children who read one of her books will feel like the stories are speaking directly to them.