Grace Harlowe's First Year at Overton College
#1 in The College Girls Series
What’s inside...
Jessie Graham Flower is a pseudonym used by American author Josephine Chase for her popular fiction series, 'The Grace Harlowe books'. The series follows the protagonist, Grace Harlowe, through her academic journey from high school to college and beyond. One of the excerpts presents a dialogue where Grace's earlier statement about leaving for college quietly is contrasted with the reality of her departure, which is witnessed by almost half of her hometown, Oakdale.
Discussion points
How did Grace's experiences at Overton College change her perspective on friendship and leadership?
What challenges did Grace face, and how did she overcome them?
What role do the supporting characters play in Grace’s journey throughout the year?
How does Grace's story inspire you in your own life or school experiences?
What values do you think are important to succeed like Grace did at Overton College?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start by asking your child how they relate to Grace’s emotions and choices, fostering empathy and personal connection to the story.
Discuss the importance of resilience and perseverance, as displayed by Grace, and how these qualities can be applied in your child’s life.
Encourage your child to talk about their own experiences with making new friends and adapting to new environments, drawing parallels to Grace's experiences.
Use Grace's story to talk about leadership and ask your child what kind of leader they would want to be.
Highlight the importance of supporting characters in the book, and discuss the value of having supportive friends and mentors in one's own life.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Resilience in the face of challenges
Explanation: Grace Harlowe exhibits resilience as she navigates the academic and social challenges of her first year at Overton College.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to face their academic and social challenges at school with a positive attitude and a resilient spirit.
Example Lesson: Importance of friendship and teamwork
Explanation: Throughout the story, Grace relies on her close friendships and learns the value of working together to overcome obstacles.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by cultivating strong, supportive friendships and understanding the importance of teamwork in achieving common goals.
Example Lesson: Ethical decision-making
Explanation: Grace often faces situations where she must make decisions that reflect integrity and ethical values.
Real-World Application: This teaches children to consider the moral implications of their actions and encourages them to make choices that align with ethical principles in their own lives.
Example Lesson: Leadership and taking initiative
Explanation: Grace takes on leadership roles in various college activities, displaying initiative and responsibility.
Real-World Application: Children can be encouraged to take leadership roles in their activities, like group projects or sports, learning how to guide others and take responsibility.
Example Lesson: Perseverance in achieving goals
Explanation: Grace's determination to excel in her studies and extracurricular activities exemplifies perseverance.
Real-World Application: This can motivate children to persist in their studies and extracurricular activities, despite difficulties, to achieve their own goals.