Donutheart
Donuthead Series
on Goodreads (59)
What’s inside...
Franklin Delano Donuthead, the star of Sue Stauffacher's Donuthead, is navigating the challenges of sixth grade and middle school. He faces various obstacles such as avoiding whipping ponytails in hallways, using school bathrooms with eighth graders, blushing in life science class, and dealing with social changes involving his best friend, Sarah Kervick, and his crush, Glynnis Powell. As Franklin grapples with his mother having a boyfriend and Sarah's continuous need for help, he learns to rely on the support of his tough but kindhearted mother, Gloria Nelots, and develops self-awareness. Through these experiences, Franklin gains the courage and insight to help Sarah out of a tough situation, showcasing personal growth and resilience.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
8-12
Length
208 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How did Franklin’s unique approach to solving problems inspire you?
What did you learn about friendship from Franklin's interactions with Sarah?
Why do you think it's important for Franklin to work on his 'Donutheart' project?
How do you think the characters in the book demonstrated empathy?
What would you do if you were in Franklin's shoes and faced similar challenges?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use empathetic listening to fully understand your child's responses. Nod and maintain eye contact to show you're engaged.
Encourage your child to express their feelings about the characters and situations, promoting a deeper emotional connection to the book’s themes.
Relate the book's themes to real-life situations your child might encounter to make the content more relatable and memorable.
Highlight the importance of uniqueness and creativity, as demonstrated by Franklin, to inspire your child to embrace their individuality.
Praise your child’s insights during the discussion to boost their confidence and encourage a love for reading and analysis.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Empathy
Explanation: In 'Donutheart,' the main character, Franklin Delano Donuthead, displays empathy by considering the feelings of others despite his personal anxieties and obsessions.
Real-World Application: Children learn to understand and share the feelings of their peers, fostering a compassionate approach to friendships and interactions at school.
Example Lesson: Importance of friendship
Explanation: Throughout the book, Franklin learns to appreciate the value of friendship, especially with Sarah Kervick, who teaches him that life is more than just sticking to routines and handling obsessions.
Real-World Application: This lesson encourages children to be open to forming connections and supports the idea that friendships can help one grow and step out of their comfort zone.
Example Lesson: Coping with anxiety
Explanation: Franklin demonstrates various techniques to handle his significant anxiety about germs, rules, and daily life activities, showing readers that it’s possible to manage such feelings.
Real-World Application: Children can apply Franklin's methods to manage their own anxieties, whether it’s starting a new school year or trying out new activities.
Example Lesson: Problem-solving
Explanation: The protagonist uses critical thinking and problem-solving skills to navigate his challenges. His process encourages readers to think critically and seek solutions in difficult situations.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to use practical and creative thinking in their daily challenges, enhancing their decision-making skills.
Example Lesson: Accepting imperfection
Explanation: The story portrays how Franklin comes to terms with the imperfect nature of life and human relationships, moving away from his obsession with perfection.
Real-World Application: This can help children understand that it’s normal to make mistakes and that imperfection is part of life, which can reduce stress and increase resilience.