My Gap Is All That!
on Goodreads (19)
What’s inside...
Author Kendra Bryant embraces her unique characteristic - a gap in her teeth - and views it as a blessing. The story emphasizes the importance of loving oneself as God has created and how personal uniqueness is valuable.
Age
0-12
Length
30 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What did you learn about why some people have gaps between their teeth? How do you feel about it?
How did the character feel about their gap at the beginning of the story compared to the end? Why do you think their feelings changed?
Can you think of something unique about yourself that you are proud of? Why does it make you feel special?
What would you say to a friend who feels different or unhappy about the way they look?
How do you think our differences make us special? Can you think of examples from the book or from people you know?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start by sharing a personal story about a unique feature you embrace about yourself, setting a positive tone for the conversation. Encourage your child to express their thoughts and feelings openly, without judgement. Validate their feelings by listening actively and showing empathy. Draw parallels between the story and real-life scenarios to help your child relate to the character’s experiences. Highlight the importance of diversity and self-acceptance, reinforcing the message with examples from the book and other known figures or scenarios.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Self-acceptance
Explanation: The protagonist of 'My Gap Is All That!' embraces their unique dental gap, showcasing self-love and acceptance of physical differences.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by embracing and celebrating their own unique features, fostering a positive self-image.
Example Lesson: Diversity and inclusion
Explanation: The book highlights various characters with different traits, promoting an understanding and appreciation of diversity.
Real-World Application: Kids can learn to appreciate and respect differences among their peers, fostering inclusivity in their communities and schools.
Example Lesson: Confidence
Explanation: As the main character proudly shows off their gap, they demonstrate confidence in who they are, despite societal standards.
Real-World Application: This lesson encourages children to be confident in their own skin and to stand up for themselves in situations where they may feel different or excluded.
Example Lesson: Empathy
Explanation: The story portrays characters learning about each other's unique qualities, which teaches them to be empathetic towards others.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to understand and share the feelings of their classmates or friends, leading to more harmonious interactions and a supportive environment.
Example Lesson: Resilience
Explanation: Despite initial teasing, the protagonist learns to deal with criticism positively, reflecting resilience.
Real-World Application: This can help children develop coping mechanisms for dealing with teasing or bullying, turning potentially negative experiences into opportunities for growth.