Etta Extraordinaire
illustrations by
What’s inside...
Charnaie Gordon and Roda Ahmed debut their collaboration in the book about Etta Extraordinaire, a girl born to shine who faces her fears with the help of her family. The story, illustrated by Chloe Burgett, captures Etta's journey as she prepares for her school’s talent show, despite never having performed on stage before. With her characteristic planning, support from her family, and a lot of courage, Etta confronts her worries and takes a bold step towards realizing her dreams.
Discussion points
What do you think makes Etta extraordinary? Can you think of ways you are extraordinary too?
Etta faces many challenges, how do you think she feels when she overcomes them?
If you were in Etta's place, what would you have done differently in her adventures?
What lessons did you learn from Etta's experiences?
How did the people around Etta help her succeed?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to relate to Etta by sharing personal experiences that parallel the challenges or triumphs Etta faced.
Ask your child to draw a picture or write a short story about their favorite part of the book. This can help deepen their understanding and connection to the narrative.
Highlight the moral and ethical decisions Etta makes. Discuss why making good choices is important and ask your child what they would do in similar situations.
Discuss the importance of perseverance and resilience as demonstrated by Etta. Relate these themes to real-life scenarios your child may encounter.
Use expressive reading techniques such as different voices and pauses to make the reading experience more engaging and memorable for your child.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Embracing Uniqueness
Explanation: Etta Extraordinaire showcases the journey of Etta, a young girl who learns to embrace her unique qualities that set her apart from her peers.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this by appreciating their own unique traits and understanding that these differences make them special.
Example Lesson: Resilience in the Face of Challenges
Explanation: Throughout the story, Etta faces various challenges but demonstrates resilience by persisting and overcoming obstacles.
Real-World Application: Kids can learn to tackle difficulties in their lives with a positive attitude and determination, whether it's at school or in social situations.
Example Lesson: The Importance of Friendship
Explanation: Etta learns the value of true friendship as her friends support her in her journey, highlighting the importance of trust and mutual support.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the importance of building and maintaining supportive friendships that enrich their lives.
Example Lesson: Courage to Explore
Explanation: Etta shows courage when exploring new opportunities and stepping out of her comfort zone, which leads to personal growth.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to try new activities and explore their interests, which aids in their development and self-discovery.