How to Build a Hug: Temple Grandin and Her Amazing Squeeze Machine
What’s inside...
Amy Guglielmo, Jacqueline Tourville, and Giselle Potter unite to tell the inspiring story of autism advocate Dr. Temple Grandin and her groundbreaking invention: the hug machine. As a child, Temple Grandin disliked hugs due to the overwhelming sensations they caused, similar to being trapped in a scratchy sock or bombarded by unpleasant stimuli. Despite her aversion, she longed for the comfort they provided. Determined to find a solution, Temple invented the hug machine, a device that allowed her to experience the soothing pressure of a hug on her own terms.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
4-8
Length
48 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How do you think Temple felt when she was overwhelmed? Can you share a time you felt the same?
What are some ways Temple found to calm herself down? Why do you think these methods helped her?
Why was the hug machine so important to Temple? How do you think it made her feel?
Can you think of a problem you've faced and how you solved it, like Temple did with her squeeze machine?
How do you think understanding different people's needs can help us be better friends or family members?
Tip: Role play these questions
Before reading, ask your child what they know about autism and discuss how people can have different needs and ways of interacting.
As you read, pause to discuss Temple's emotions and reactions to situations, helping your child connect her experiences to their own.
Encourage your child to ask questions about Temple’s inventions and motivations to foster curiosity and understanding.
After reading, engage your child in a creative activity, such as drawing their own version of a 'hug machine' or another invention to solve a problem they face.
Use examples from the book to discuss the importance of persistence and empathy, reinforcing these values in real-life situations.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Understanding and embracing differences
Explanation: The book portrays Temple Grandin's unique way of experiencing the world due to her autism and how she invents a machine that hugs her, helping her manage sensory issues. It emphasizes that everyone has their own strengths and challenges.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to appreciate and respect peers who might think, learn, or behave differently from themselves, fostering a more inclusive environment at school and in play groups.
Example Lesson: Innovation and problem solving
Explanation: Temple’s creation of the squeeze machine as a solution to her personal challenges highlights the power of invention and creative problem-solving.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to think creatively and use their skills to overcome obstacles, whether it's building something physical or finding new ways to handle personal challenges.
Example Lesson: Perseverance in the face of adversity
Explanation: Despite facing numerous challenges due to her autism, Temple Grandin persists and achieves success as an inventor and animal scientist. Her story is a testament to the power of perseverance.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the importance of not giving up when faced with difficulties, and that persistence can lead to achieving one's goals, regardless of the obstacles.
Example Lesson: Empathy and understanding
Explanation: Through the book, readers see the world from Temple’s perspective, gaining an understanding of how people with autism might feel and perceive their surroundings.
Real-World Application: This can help children develop empathy and better support friends or family members who might have sensory sensitivities or other differences.
Example Lesson: Inclusivity in friendship and community
Explanation: Temple's journey emphasizes the importance of support and acceptance from those around her, particularly her mother and her teacher, who help her navigate a world that is not always accommodating to her needs.
Real-World Application: Children can learn the significance of being kind and inclusive, creating supportive friendships and communities that celebrate diversity.