Book 3: the Biggest Star by Far (Katherine the Almost Great, 3)
#3 in Katherine The Almost Great Series
What’s inside...
Katharine Carmichael's third grade class is putting on a play, 'Kids Rock in Space!' However, Katharine is struggling with stage fright. She hopes to overcome it by seeking advice from her idol, Penelope Parks, and aims to become a fabulous actor. When she lands the role of the sun, she inadvertently adopts a sassy attitude similar to Penelope's. The story unfolds as the big day approaches, testing whether Katharine can truly shine as the brightest star.
Discussion points
What do you think made Katherine feel like she was 'the biggest star by far'? How do you feel when you do something great?
Katherine faces some challenges in this story. Can you talk about a time when you faced a difficult situation and how you handled it?
How did Katherine’s friends and family support her in her adventures? Why is support important?
What lessons do you think Katherine learned by the end of the book? Have you learned similar lessons in your own experiences?
If you could give Katherine one piece of advice, what would it be and why?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use open-ended questions to encourage your child to express their thoughts and feelings about the story. Validate their responses to make them feel heard and understood. Relate the themes of the book to your child’s personal experiences to make the discussion more relevant and engaging. Highlight the importance of perseverance and support from loved ones, drawing parallels to their life. Lastly, encourage your child to think about what advice they would offer the characters, fostering empathy and critical thinking.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Resilience
Explanation: Katherine faces numerous challenges in her quest to become the 'biggest star,' learning to overcome setbacks with persistence and a positive attitude.
Real-World Application: Children will understand the importance of not giving up despite difficulties, fostering resilience in facing their own academic and personal challenges.
Example Lesson: Empathy
Explanation: Throughout the story, Katherine learns to understand and share the feelings of others, which helps her build stronger relationships.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to consider the perspectives of others around them, promoting empathy in interactions at school and home.
Example Lesson: Self-acceptance
Explanation: As Katherine strives to become the 'biggest star,' she learns the importance of accepting and valuing herself as she is, rather than trying to fit into someone else’s mold.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by recognizing and appreciating their unique qualities and strengths, boosting self-esteem and personal growth.
Example Lesson: Teamwork
Explanation: The book highlights the importance of collaborative efforts and how working with others can lead to greater success than working alone.
Real-World Application: This lesson teaches children the value of participating in group activities and sports, enhancing their ability to cooperate and function well in a team setting.