Imagine: The Girl in the Painting (American Girl Library)
American Girl Library Series
on Goodreads (11)
What’s inside...
Famous paintings of young girls are accompanied by brief meditations that immerse the reader in the moment captured on the canvas and offer a glimpse of what it would be like to be the girl in the painting.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
9-12
Length
48 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What emotions did you feel when you saw the girl in the painting? Can you describe why?
If you could step into the painting like the characters, what would you like to explore first?
How do you think the girl in the painting felt about being in such a magical place?
What do you think the colors and the setting of the painting tell us about the story?
If you could add something to the painting, what would it be and why?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to describe the painting in their own words, fostering a deeper connection to the visual elements of the story.
Relate the magical elements of the painting to your child's own imagination, asking them what magical places they dream of.
Discuss the feelings and perspectives of different characters, promoting empathy and understanding.
Use the book’s themes to connect with your child’s experiences, such as moments they've felt curious, adventurous, or imaginative.
Highlight the importance of art and creativity, encouraging your child to create their own drawing or story inspired by the book.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Empathy and Understanding
Explanation: The story showcases the protagonist's journey of understanding and empathizing with characters across different historical backgrounds, enabling readers to see beyond their immediate world.
Real-World Application: Children can apply empathy in their interactions, learning to be considerate and understand diverse perspectives of their peers and people around them.
Example Lesson: Cultural Appreciation
Explanation: By exploring various cultural settings through the eyes of the girl in the painting, the book educates on the richness and diversity of cultures.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to explore and respect different cultures in their community and develop an appreciation for global diversity.
Example Lesson: Imagination and Creativity
Explanation: The premise of the book revolves around magical realism, encouraging children to think creatively and imagine possibilities beyond the tangible.
Real-World Application: This lesson can inspire children to engage in creative arts and storytelling, enhancing their cognitive flexibility and creative thinking skills.
Example Lesson: Historical Knowledge
Explanation: The book integrates historical elements which offer educational insights and factual knowledge about different eras.
Real-World Application: Knowledge of history helps children understand the present better and encourages interest in historical studies or related school projects.
Example Lesson: Problem Solving
Explanation: Throughout the book, the character faces various challenges that she overcomes using critical thinking and decision making.
Real-World Application: This can motivate children to face academic and social challenges with resilience and problem-solving skills, promoting growth and confidence.