Imagine being a child living with cancer. The cancer treatments have caused you to look different from your friends and classmates. People who make snide remarks and tease you because they don’t understand what living with cancer is like. That is what it is like for the girl in this book.
The author and illustrator delve into her world using a rhythmical chronicle of one child’s life living with cancer so in the hope that others have an understanding that not only is living with cancer a battle but having to deal with mean people makes it even harder.
Imagine being a child living with cancer. The cancer treatments have caused you to look different from your friends and classmates. People who make snide remarks and tease you because they don’t understand what living with cancer is like. That is what it is like for the girl in this book.
The author and illustrator delve into her world using a rhythmical chronicle of one child’s life living with cancer so in the hope that others have an understanding that not only is living with cancer a battle but having to deal with mean people makes it even harder.
Am I so different because I lost me hair?
Is that the reason you feel a need to stare?
Am I so different because of things I cannot do?
Does that really make me less normal than you?
Whenever an author includes a note of why they wrote the book, I always read it. Robert Sedillo's reasoning made me shed many tears. Sadly, his wife Elizabeth died of a Glioblastoma on August 4th, 2022. One short week before their friend Isabella died of childhood cancer. Cancer is a disposable illness that doesn't care who it strikes. It causes so much pain and heartache. Isabella and Elizabeth formed a bond as they battled cancer together. They played games, read poetry, and read letters to and from Elizabeth's mom. One of those letters has been edited for this touching story: Am I So Different.
I tried to emotionally prepare myself for what I was about to read—a young girl's feelings as she walked through her life with childhood cancer. Nothing can prepare you for what you're about to read. The first line, "Am I so different because I've lost my hair?" in conjunction with the image created by Danny Clabaugh broke me. I cried. I'm not ashamed to admit that I wept through every page.
Isabella wonders why people stare. She reminds people that she's just like you and likes having fun. However, she also reminds people that her life is not so fun anymore. It hurts her deeply when people stare and make snide comments. She's carrying a heavy burden that those who stare are lucky they don't have to lift. Every day, every night, is a battle. Her life is endless pain. She suggests that instead of staring, share a smile. Instead of snide comments, gives words of encouragement. Remember that YOU are lucky Isabella's "misfortune" isn't yours.
Cancer is an ugly disease. Take Isabella's advice and be kind and supportive; do not add any more ugliness to the already ugly situation.
Am I So Different made me cry. In fact, I'm writing this review through water-glazed eyes. It moved me more than I can articulate, and I know it will move you too. Amazon's recommended reading age is 9-12, but children as young as five could understand and empathize with Elizabeth.
I recommend this book 100%.