A Giant Crush
on Goodreads (197)
What’s inside...
As Valentine's Day approaches, Jackson struggles to keep his feelings for Cami a secret. He accidentally leaves chocolate hearts by her lunch and is embarrassed when his large Valentine card is delivered to her desk. Encouraged by his friend Cooper to talk to Cami, Jackson is hesitant because he fears she may not reciprocate his feelings and is self-conscious about his size due to teasing from Carter Corey. However, Cami stands up to Carter and hints that she would be happy to have a boyfriend like Jackson. This heartwarming book, perfect for Valentine's Day, celebrates love and courage.
Discussion points
How do you think Jackson felt when he decided to make a giant valentine for Cami?
Why do you think it's important to show kindness to others, like Jackson did?
What would you do if you had a crush on someone, like Jackson does?
How can we make others feel appreciated and special in our daily lives?
What did you learn from the reactions of other characters in the story towards Jackson's actions?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to put themselves in Jackson’s shoes while discussing his feelings and actions to foster empathy.
Highlight the importance of expressing feelings and the different forms it can take, encouraging your child to share their own experiences.
Discuss the reactions of other characters to explore different perspectives and teach your child about social dynamics.
Use the book’s theme to spark a conversation about kindness and appreciation, relating it to your child’s interactions with friends and family.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Expressing Emotions
Explanation: In 'A Giant Crush', the protagonist shows courage in expressing his feelings for his crush, demonstrating that it's okay to share one's emotions.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to openly express their feelings to friends and family, helping them build emotional intelligence and better relationships.
Example Lesson: Empathy and Understanding
Explanation: The story highlights the protagonist's empathy towards others' feelings, teaching children to consider and respect emotions of people around them.
Real-World Application: This lesson can guide children to be more thoughtful and understanding in their interactions with peers, promoting a supportive and kind environment.
Example Lesson: Handling Rejection
Explanation: The book portrays how the protagonist deals with feelings of rejection in a positive way, setting an example of resilience.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by learning to cope with rejection or disappointment in school or friendships, reinforcing their emotional resilience.
Example Lesson: Perseverance
Explanation: The protagonist's efforts to win his crush's affection, despite obstacles, underscore the importance of perseverance and trying your best.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to persist in achieving their goals, whether it's in academics, sports, or personal projects.