I'm+not+her

Katie Brown


 * APA Reference:**

Gurtler, J. (2011). I'm not her. Naperville, IL: Sourcebooks, Inc


 * Summary:**

//I'm not her// is a book about two sisters, Kristina and Tess and their journey for self-discovery. It starts out with Kristina being the "popular one" and Tess being the "smart one". Until, both of their worlds get turned upside down when Kristina is diagnosed with bone cancer. Their perfect lives fall apart within a blink of an eye. While Kristina is in the hospital dealing with chemo, Tess is faced with curious classmates’ questions and concerns of why Kristina has been missing school. Tess has been sworn to Secrecy by Kristina to keep the cancer from her friend and anybody else. Keeping the secret begins to make her face challenges of her willingness to protect her sister, and fight to keep her family from falling apart, right in front of her eyes. Even though Tess is only fifteen she becomes, the only adult of the story while both of her parent don't really know how to cope with her sister cancer. Tess has always been "invisible" to the opposite sex, when suddenly she meets Nick (the man-whore/hot senior), Clark (superman) and Jeremy (the stalker). All within the story they become her friends and even her love interest. During of story Kristina and Tess are faced with so many challenges the two sisters begin to see the bigger picture of life, sisterhood, and true friendship.

This book is great for middle school ages and up. It proves that no matter what age you are terrible things can happen, but you will survive. I love the quote "what doesn't kill you only makes you stronger" and this story is full of ups and downs. I'm not her reaches out to so many different situation that people can face and how your loved ones can help you get through. This book had me crying and laughing out loud. It's a touching story of a family that was once considered perfect and everything changed with one doctor’s visit. This book is not just for the young, but also for the wise. Make sure to have your Kleenex available.
 * Critique:**


 * Content Ares Uses:**

__English/Language Arts__:
 * This would be a great book to reflect on how it made you feel.
 * Reflect what your reaction would be if you were faced with what Kristina and Tess were.
 * Students can create a discussion board/ blogs on their feeling about the book.
 * Discussion Web on Tess, Kristina, and the parents reaction to the news.

__Science__:
 * Have the student do a research project on different types of cancers.
 * They can also, research the different types of specialist.