About This Book
I Am Not Esther tells the compelling story of a young girl whose life is upended when her mother leaves her with relatives she's never met, who are members of a rigid religious cult. Stripped of her name and forced to conform to severe social standards, the protagonist, now called Esther, grapples with a profound loss of self. This book sensitively explores themes of identity, belonging, resilience, and the courage to stand up for oneself, making it a powerful read for older elementary and middle schoolers. Parents should be aware of the themes of abandonment and psychological control, which are handled with nuance.
A young girl is left by her mother with relatives she's never met who are members of a strict religious cult. Her name is changed to the biblical Esther, and she is forced to follow the severe set of social codes of the order. Soon, Esther begins to lose her own identity.
separation_from_parent
mental_health_themes
peril_danger
discrimination
Discussion Prompts
1
How would you feel if your name was changed and you had to follow rules you didn't understand?
2
What does it mean to have your own identity? How do we hold onto it?
3
How does Esther show bravery throughout the story?
4
What are some ways people can be pressured to change who they are?
5
How important is family, even when they make choices you don't agree with?
6
What does freedom mean to Esther, and what does it mean to you?
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