A Friend for Henry
What’s inside...
In Classroom Six, second left down the hall, Henry, a boy on the autism spectrum, has been searching for a friend who shares, listens, and appreciates order as he does. Amid a chaotic day where nothing goes right, Henry wonders if he will ever find a friend, or if instead, a friend will find him.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
3-5
Length
36 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How do you think Henry felt when he was trying to find a friend? Can you think of a time you felt the same way?
What do you think makes someone a good friend? Do you have a friend like that?
Why do you think Henry got upset during the art project? How do you handle situations when things don’t go as planned?
How did Katie help Henry feel better? What do you do when a friend is feeling sad or upset?
What did Henry learn about friendship by the end of the book? What did you learn?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start by sharing your own feelings and experiences related to friendship to create a comfortable environment for your child to open up. Highlight the importance of understanding and patience in friendships, as demonstrated by Henry and his classmates. Encourage your child to express their thoughts and feelings, validating them and reinforcing that it’s okay to feel differently. Use examples from the book to illustrate how friends can have disagreements but still care for each other. Lastly, emphasize the joy and value of having friends who accept us as we are, just like Henry found.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Understanding Differences
Explanation: Henry, the protagonist, navigates the complexities of social interactions at school and learns to appreciate that everyone is different.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to embrace and respect the uniqueness of each individual in their own classrooms and social circles.
Example Lesson: The Value of Friendship
Explanation: The story shows how Henry, despite challenges, finds a friend who understands him. It highlights the significance of patience and acceptance in friendships.
Real-World Application: This can teach children the importance of being patient and accepting others, helping them build lasting friendships.
Example Lesson: Expressing Feelings
Explanation: Henry learns to express his feelings and frustrations, which helps him better connect with others.
Real-World Application: Children can be encouraged to articulate their emotions, aiding in emotional development and communication skills.
Example Lesson: Problem Solving
Explanation: The book illustrates how Henry faces social challenges and learns to solve them through understanding and communication.
Real-World Application: This will help children learn to navigate their own challenges in social settings and improve their problem-solving skills.
Example Lesson: Resilience
Explanation: Despite initial setbacks in making friends, Henry does not give up. His journey teaches resilience.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to be resilient in face of social challenges and understand that perseverance can lead to positive outcomes.