A Bad Case of the Almosts
not part of a series
What’s inside...
The book follows the journey of a young girl, Amy, who continuously finishes second in all her endeavors, earning her the nickname 'Almost Amy'. It explores her struggles and how she learns to cope with her disappointments and embraces her efforts. The 'almosts' are ruining Abby's life! She's almost tall enough. She's almost a star student. She's almost first in line--and on and on it goes. So why even bother entering the science fair? The almosts will ruin it anyway. But what if Abby is wrong? Maybe the almosts can actually be a good thing.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
4-8
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How did the character's feelings change throughout the story?
What does 'almost' mean to you? Can you think of a time when you felt like you 'almost' succeeded?
Why do you think it's important to keep trying, even when things are difficult?
How do you think the character could handle a similar situation better in the future?
What did you learn from the character’s journey in the book?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start by sharing your own story of an 'almost' moment to make your child feel comfortable sharing theirs.
Validate your child’s feelings about challenges they face, drawing parallels to the character's experiences in the book.
Encourage your child to imagine alternative endings to the book where the character succeeds, enhancing creative thinking.
After discussing each question, relate the answers back to your child’s personal experiences to deepen their understanding and connection.
Praise your child for their insights and thoughts to foster a positive discussion environment.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Resilience in the face of failure
Explanation: The story showcases the main character's series of unsuccessful attempts but highlights their persistence and determination.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of persevering through challenges and not being discouraged by setbacks in everyday activities or learning new skills.
Example Lesson: Learning from mistakes
Explanation: Each 'almost' moment in the book teaches the character a lesson that helps them grow and improve.
Real-World Application: This narrative encourages children to view mistakes as learning opportunities, fostering a growth mindset that can be applied in school and personal endeavors.
Example Lesson: The power of positive thinking
Explanation: The protagonist's optimistic outlook in the face of adversity helps them to continue striving for success.
Real-World Application: This promotes an optimistic attitude towards life's difficulties, encouraging children to remain hopeful and positive regardless of the circumstances.
Example Lesson: Creativity in problem-solving
Explanation: The character often finds unique and imaginative solutions to avoid the 'almosts'.
Real-World Application: Children are inspired to think creatively when faced with obstacles, applying innovative thinking to both academic and social situations.