Jasper John Dooley: Left Behind
#2 of 6 in Jasper John Dooley Series
on Goodreads (97)
What’s inside...
Every Wednesday, Jasper John Dooley plays Go Fish for jujubes with Nan at her apartment, and they engage in a variety of fun activities together. But when Nan plans to go on a cruise to Alaska for a week, Jasper becomes anxious and feels like all the air is seeping out through a hole in his belly. After accidentally stapling his belly at school, Jasper uses thirty-four Band-Aids to keep the air inside him. This chapter book by Caroline Adderson beautifully conveys the emotions of love and missing someone dearly, making it a great resource for classroom discussions or writing assignments about these feelings. The story is engaging and entertaining, with Jasper being a quirky and memorable character. Adderson's depictions of early elementary school life are spot-on and humorous, making this book a favorite for independent reading time.
Character compass
Jasper John Dooley
Ori Freedman
Jasper'S Father
Jasper'S Mother
Discussion points
How did Jasper John Dooley feel when he was left behind, and what would you do if you were in his shoes?
What are some ways Jasper tries to cope with his loneliness? Can you think of any other strategies that might help?
How do Jasper's friends and family help make him feel better? Who helps you when you feel left out or alone?
What lessons do you think Jasper learned by the end of the story?
If you could give Jasper one piece of advice, what would it be?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their feelings about times they've felt left behind or excluded, relating it to Jasper’s experiences in the story.
Discuss the importance of empathy by asking how they think Jasper felt during various parts of the book and how they would feel in the same situations.
Highlight Jasper's problem-solving efforts and resilience. Prompt your child to think about how they can apply similar resilience in their own life.
Use the book's illustrations to help your child connect visually with the story and discuss any emotions or details the pictures may convey.
After reading, engage in role-play where you and your child take turns playing different characters from the book, exploring their thoughts and decisions. This can deepen understanding and empathy for the characters' feelings and choices.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Coping with Loneliness
Explanation: Jasper John Dooley experiences loneliness when his best friend moves away. This challenges him to explore his feelings and find new ways to entertain himself.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to manage feelings of loneliness by engaging in creative activities and discovering new hobbies, helping them become more self-reliant.
Example Lesson: Value of Friendship
Explanation: The story highlights the importance of friendship through Jasper's memories with his best friend and his efforts to stay connected despite the distance.
Real-World Application: This teaches children to cherish their friendships and find ways to maintain them, even when apart, emphasizing communication and emotional connection.
Example Lesson: Adaptability to Change
Explanation: Jasper's journey through changes in his social circle teaches him to adapt and be open to forming new friendships.
Real-World Application: It encourages children to be flexible and open-minded in new situations, helping them to navigate changes in life with resilience.
Example Lesson: Empathy and Understanding
Explanation: Throughout the book, Jasper learns to understand the feelings of others who might be going through similar situations of separation or change.
Real-World Application: This lesson can help children develop empathy by recognizing and respecting the emotions of others, fostering kinder social interactions.