Mostly Monty: First Grader
#1 of 3 in Monty Series
What’s inside...
A shy boy with asthma starts first grade—and comes into his own—in this appealing story for early chapter book readers. Six-year-old Monty doesn't have a brother, a sister, or a pet. What he does have is asthma, which sometimes makes it hard to breathe and often makes him feel like he'd rather be somebody else. And now that he's starting first grade, he's very nervous about being with all those kids he won't know. Luckily, he loves to read—even really hard books—and has a talent for finding things, from a cocooning caterpillar to classmates who want to be in his very own club. With familiar situations and gentle humor, Johanna Hurwitz follows an endearing character as he discovers that being himself can be pretty great after all.
Discussion points
What do you think Monty was feeling on his first day of school? Have you ever felt the same?
Monty has asthma, which means there are some things he can't do. How do you think that makes him feel? What can we learn from how he handles it?
Who are Monty's friends and how do they support him? How do your friends support you?
Monty is very brave and tries new things even when it's hard. Can you think of a time when you tried something new? How did it feel?
Tip: Role play these questions
While discussing Monty's feelings, share a personal story from your own school experiences to create a deeper connection.
Encourage empathy by discussing how everyone has different challenges and strengths, like Monty does with his asthma.
Highlight the importance of friendship and support, asking your child to share stories of how their friends help them.
Praise the courage it takes to try new things, and relate it back to their personal experiences to foster resilience.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Embracing Individuality
Explanation: Monty, despite his asthma limitations, finds activities that he can enjoy and excel in, like reading and chess.
Real-World Application: Children learn to appreciate their unique qualities and find their strengths, helping them build self-confidence.
Example Lesson: Developing Empathy
Explanation: Monty's classmates learn about his asthma and begin to understand how it affects his life, fostering a supportive environment.
Real-World Application: Children can apply empathy by learning about and respecting the differences and challenges of others, promoting inclusive behavior.
Example Lesson: Overcoming Challenges
Explanation: Monty navigates school and everyday activities while managing his asthma, showcasing resilience.
Real-World Application: Children learn problem-solving skills and perseverance when faced with their own challenges, whether they are physical, academic, or social.
Example Lesson: Importance of Friendship
Explanation: Monty forms friendships that are supportive and understanding, which enrich his school experience.
Real-World Application: Teaches children the value of building and maintaining positive relationships, and how friendships can provide emotional and social support.