Justin Case: School, Drool, and Other Daily Disasters (Justin Case Series, 1)
#1 in Justin Case Series
What’s inside...
It's the start of the school year, and nothing feels right to Justin. He didn't get the teacher he wanted, he's not in the same class as his best friend, and his little sister, Elizabeth, is starting kindergarten at his school. Elizabeth doesn't seem nervous at all. Justin is very nervous about third grade. And to top it off, he's lost his favorite stuffed animal, but he can't tell anyone, because technically he's too old to still have stuffed animals. Right? Here is third grade in all its complicated glory--the friendships, the fears, and the advanced math. Acclaimed author Rachel Vail captures third grade with a perfect pitch, and Matthew Cordell's line art is both humorous and touching. As Justin bravely tries to step out of his shell, he will step into readers' hearts. Justin Case is a 2011 Bank Street - Best Children's Book of the Year.
Why read this book
- Captures school life with humor and authenticity.
- Encourages resilience and self-expression among young readers.
- Supports emotional development and empathy.
- Engaging narrative that boosts reading interest.
The Big Picture
- Story reflects common school-age children fears.
- Highlights courage and overcoming anxieties.
- Opens dialogue on resilience and perseverance.
- Relates to real-life school experiences and emotions.
What parents love
- Perfect for easing school anxiety with laughs!
- Relatable and comforting for young readers.
- Helps children understand and overcome fears.
- My child laughed and felt reassured at the same time.
Diversity & Representation
- Captures diverse school experiences relatable to many children.
- Reflects a variety of emotional and academic child challenges.
- Encourages empathy through varied character backgrounds and stories.
Discussion points
What are some ways Justin handled his fears and anxieties about school? How can you apply these strategies in your own life?
Justin encounters many ups and downs throughout the school year. What was a moment that made you feel proud of him, and why?
How did Justin's relationships with his family and friends influence his experiences and feelings about school?
Justin learns a lot about himself throughout the book. What are some important lessons you have learned about yourself this school year?
If you could give Justin one piece of advice, what would it be and why?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their feelings about school by relating them to Justin’s experiences. This can facilitate a deeper emotional connection to their own school-related emotions.
Discuss the strategies Justin uses to cope with anxiety and fear. Ask your child if they have similar strategies or if they think something else might work for them.
Highlight moments of growth and courage in the book and relate them back to your child’s experiences. This reinforces the idea that challenges can lead to development and success.
Use Justin’s stories as a springboard to talk about friendship dynamics and the importance of support and empathy among peers.
While discussing the book, occasionally refer back to personal experiences or anecdotes from school days to make the conversation more engaging and relatable.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of resilience
Explanation: Justin Case, the main character, faces numerous everyday challenges, from school anxiety to social worries. His journey teaches the value of pushing through difficult situations.
Real-World Application: Children learn that persistence in the face of challenges is a valuable trait, helping them navigate schoolwork and social interactions.
Example Lesson: Understanding and managing fears
Explanation: Justin’s fear of school and failure are central themes. Through the narrative, children see that fears are a common experience and can be managed with support and self-reflection.
Real-World Application: Kids can apply this lesson by recognizing their own fears and learning strategies to address and alleviate them in their daily lives.
Example Lesson: The power of expressing oneself
Explanation: Throughout the book, Justin learns to express his feelings and thoughts, which significantly improves his self-confidence and relationships with others.
Real-World Application: Kids are encouraged to articulate their feelings and thoughts, improving their communication skills and building healthier relationships with peers and adults.
Example Lesson: Empathy and friendship
Explanation: As Justin navigates his relationships, he learns the value of empathy and understanding the perspectives of his classmates and friends.
Real-World Application: Children are taught to value diverse perspectives and practice empathy, fostering a supportive and inclusive community environment at school and at home.
Example Lesson: Problem-solving
Explanation: The book highlights how Justin creatively solves the problems he faces, encouraging a proactive approach to challenges.
Real-World Application: This lesson inspires children to use creativity and critical thinking to overcome obstacles and make decisions in their everyday life.