Cover-to-cover books Series
Almost Sisters (Cover-to-cover Books)
2000 by
What’s inside...
After her father dies at the Battle of Gettysburg, Sallie Randall and her mother move to Kansas, where Mrs. Randall takes a job as housekeeper and Sallie adjusts to life with a new family.
Why read this book
- Explores themes of family bonding and understanding.
- Encourages empathy and acceptance among young readers.
- Supports emotional and social development.
- Engaging narrative that captivates children's interest.
The Big Picture
- Explores blended family dynamics and relationships.
- Encourages empathy, acceptance, and emotional intelligence.
- Ideal for discussing family changes and acceptance.
- Highlights the unity and diversity in family love.
Diversity & Representation
- Showcases multicultural characters and backgrounds.
- Promotes acceptance and understanding of diverse family structures.
- Encourages respect and empathy through inclusive storytelling.
Age
3-4
Length
78 pages
Text complexity
developing
Character Compass
Discussion points
How did the relationship between the sisters in the book change throughout the story? What events influenced these changes?
What challenges did the sisters face and how did they overcome them together?
What does the story teach us about the importance of family and understanding?
How do you think the sisters felt when they had disagreements? How do they resolve their conflicts?
Can you relate to any of the experiences the sisters went through? How would you handle similar situations?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their thoughts and feelings about the sisters' relationship, highlighting the ups and downs they observe.
Discuss the significance of empathy and understanding in resolving conflicts, using examples from the book to illustrate these concepts.
Ask your child to think about times they have had to work together with siblings or friends to overcome a challenge, drawing parallels to the sisters' experiences in the story.
Use the book’s themes to talk about the value of family support during difficult times, asking your child to share how family members support each other in your own family.
Prompt your child to think creatively by asking how they would end the story differently or what they would do if they were in the sisters' shoes in specific scenarios from the book.
What parents love
Great for discussing family and acceptance.
Kids loved the characters, very real and relatable.
Helped my child understand different family dynamics.
Entertaining yet filled with valuable lessons.
Key Lessons
Example Lesson: Importance of family bonds
Explanation: In 'Almost Sisters', the story revolves around two step-sisters learning to accept and cherish each other as family. Through their shared experiences, they develop a deep bond.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by embracing and building strong relationships with their own family members, understanding that love and support are not defined by blood relations alone.
Example Lesson: Empathy and understanding
Explanation: The characters in the book demonstrate empathy by listening to each other’s concerns and learning about their individual backgrounds. This helps them to understand each other better.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to listen actively to their peers and seek to understand diverse perspectives, helping them build more inclusive and supportive friendships.
Example Lesson: Resolving conflicts
Explanation: Throughout the narrative, the step-sisters encounter various conflicts which they learn to resolve through communication and compromise. This mirrors real-life conflict resolution.
Real-World Application: This lesson equips children with the skills to navigate disagreements in a constructive manner, whether at home or in school, fostering a harmonious environment.
Example Lesson: Adaptability to change
Explanation: The protagonist's life changes significantly when becoming a part of a blended family. This theme encourages children to remain open and adaptable in the face of life’s changes.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to embrace changes in their own lives, such as moving to a new place or changing schools, with optimism and resilience.