Missy Violet and Me
on Goodreads (99)
What’s inside...
Winner of the Coretta Scott King/John Steptoe New Talent Award, this book follows the story of an eleven-year-old girl named Viney during an extraordinary summer. Taken out of school, Viney is placed under the guidance of Missy Violet, a beloved midwife. Through her apprenticeship, Viney learns about the business of catching babies and navigates the emotional highs and lows of rural life in the South. The book captures Viney's growth and her special bond with Missy Violet, as she becomes her 'best helper girl.'
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
7-10
Length
112 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How do you think Viney felt when she started learning to be a midwife with Missy Violet?
What are some challenges Viney faced and how did she overcome them?
Missy Violet shares a lot of wisdom through her stories. Can you remember one and share what it teaches?
How do the characters in the story show care and support for each other?
If you were in Viney’s place, what would you have done differently and why?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to relate their personal experiences with Viney's apprenticeship and learning process, highlighting moments of growth and resilience.
Discuss the historical context of the book and how it influences the characters' lives, helping your child understand the setting and its impact.
Focus on the mentor-mentee relationship between Missy Violet and Viney, prompting your child to talk about their role models and what qualities they admire in them.
Ask your child about their thoughts and feelings after key events in the book to foster empathy and deeper understanding of character motivations and emotions.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Resilience in the face of adversity
Explanation: The protagonist, Viney, navigates numerous challenges with courage and determination, demonstrating the power of resilience.
Real-World Application: Children learn to persist in solving problems despite difficulties, fostering a strong mindset to overcome obstacles in their own lives.
Example Lesson: The importance of intergenerational relationships
Explanation: Viney's relationship with her midwife grandmother, Missy Violet, shows the wisdom and learning that can be passed down from older generations.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to value and learn from the experiences of their elders, enhancing their respect and understanding of family and community history.
Example Lesson: Empathy and compassion
Explanation: Throughout the story, Viney learns to understand and share the feelings of others, particularly through her interactions with people her grandmother helps.
Real-World Application: This lesson teaches children the importance of seeing the world from another's perspective and responding with kindness, crucial skills for social interaction and emotional intelligence.
Example Lesson: Value of hard work and responsibility
Explanation: Viney assists her grandmother in her midwifery duties, learning the significance of diligent work and accountability in helping others.
Real-World Application: This prepares children to be responsible and proactive in their chores, schooling, and in helping others, instilling a sense of duty and work ethic.
Example Lesson: Cultural heritage and identity
Explanation: The book richly describes the African American cultural setting of the early 20th century, providing a backdrop for Viney’s personal and cultural identity formation.
Real-World Application: Children learn to appreciate and explore their own cultures and backgrounds, fostering a sense of identity and belonging.