Barbara Park
Children's authors Series
What’s inside...
Presents the life and career of Barbara Park, including her childhood, education, and milestones as a best selling children's author. This biography also highlights her achievement of winning the 2021 Eric Hoffer Book Award for Best Middle Reader. Barbara Park is not only recognized for her literature accomplishments but also for winning the 2021 Hoffer First Horizon Award for Debut Books and the 2022 Best Book Award for Children's Fiction from the American Book Fest. Additionally, the book narrates the story of an eleven-year-old girl, Melanie, who is imaginative yet struggles with making friends. The plot unfolds as she meets Sabrina, who inspires her and helps Melanie confront the challenges in her life, including the absence of her mother and standing up to bullying.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
8-12
Length
24 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What feelings did you experience while reading about Barbara Park's life?
How do you think Barbara Park's experiences as a child influenced her writing?
What qualities do you admire about Barbara Park and why?
If you could ask Barbara Park one question, what would it be?
How can Barbara Park's perseverance inspire you in your daily activities or goals?
Tip: Role play these questions
Before starting the conversation, share what you know about Barbara Park and why her stories are significant.
Encourage your child to think critically about the challenges Barbara faced and how she overcame them. Relate it to any similar situation they might have experienced.
Ask your child to express their thoughts about the book through drawing or writing a short story. This can deepen their understanding and connection to Barbara Park's journey.
Use encouragement and affirmations to foster an open, positive conversation. Validate your child's feelings and thoughts as they relate to the story's themes.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Kindness and Empathy
Explanation: This book showcases characters who demonstrate kindness and understanding towards others, which is a central theme throughout the story.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to recognize the feelings of others and develop compassionate responses, improving their interactions and relationships at school and at home.
Example Lesson: Perseverance
Explanation: The protagonist faces various challenges but continues to strive towards her goals, teaching the importance of determination.
Real-World Application: This lesson encourages children to stay persistent in their endeavors, whether it be in completing school projects or learning new skills.
Example Lesson: Importance of Friendship
Explanation: The story highlights how friendships can provide support and joy, emphasizing the value of building and maintaining healthy relationships.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this by fostering friendships that enrich their lives and offer mutual support in daily activities.
Example Lesson: Problem-Solving Skills
Explanation: Characters in the book encounter problems that they solve using creativity and teamwork.
Real-World Application: This promotes critical thinking and collaboration skills in children, helping them navigate challenges in school and in their personal lives.
Example Lesson: Respect for Differences
Explanation: The book portrays a diverse cast of characters, each with unique perspectives and backgrounds, highlighting the importance of respecting and valuing diversity.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to appreciate and embrace differences in others, fostering a more inclusive environment at school and in the community.