What About Me?: When Brothers and Sisters Get Sick

By Allan Peterkin

Book Overview

What about me? This question, usually unspoken, lies at the heart of this poignant story, as a young girl attempts to cope with her brother's being ill. Beautifully written and illustrated, this story deals with the many complicated feelings the well child experiences in such a situation: guilt about having somehow caused the illness, fear that the sibling will die, anger over being left out, anxiety about catching the sickness, and longing for life to return to the way it was. The story will allow parents and their well children to take some time out for one another and to forge a renewed sense of family.

From the Introduction:

Children may try to overcompensate for ill siblings and attempt to please the parents by becoming "superkids" who never have a problem. At the other extreme, they may start to misbehave at home or at school. They may be teased by other children because their brother or sister is not "normal." They may feel angry at their sick sibling for getting so much attention, and then feel guilty for having such unacceptable feelings, with resulting damage to their self-esteem....Children will identify with Laura, the young girl with a sick brother in the story, and will know that their feelings are acknowledged. Sharing this understanding will help reestablish the closeness between you and your child that is so essential to your child's comfort and well-being.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0945354495
• ISBN13: 9780945354499
• Release Date: January 1992
• Publisher: Magination Press
• Length: 32 Pages
• Weight: 0.20 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.1" x 7.5" x 8.5"
• Age Range: 4 to 8 years
• Grade Range: Preschool to Grade 3

Customer Reviews

Very satisfied

We were pleased with the book. It helped our daughters understand that they are not alone in the world. There are others brothers/sisters out there that also have sick siblings, too.

Helped Us Get Through a Tough Time

Our 2 year old was having surgery, and it was difficult on the whole family, but especially difficult for our 5 year old. She couldn't understand why everyone was making such an issue about her little sister, and why she wasn't getting more attention. The book also helped me understand what she was feeling a little better. The surgery went well, and we all hope we don't need this book again, but it's nice to have just in case.