Doppol - Smart Book Recommendations

#3 in Maybe Marisol Series

Only Only Marisol Rainey: Maybe Marisol

4.18
on Goodreads (150)

What’s inside...

When a neighbor’s big, scary dog goes missing, it seems like only Marisol is worried he’s up to no good. But is there more to this lost-dog story than meets the eye? From Newbery Medal– and Newbery Honor–winning author Erin Entrada Kelly, Only Only Marisol Rainey is a highly illustrated young middle-grade novel about friendship, facing your fears, and the power of compassion, friendship, and empathy. This stand-alone companion to Maybe Maybe Marisol Rainey and Surely Surely Marisol Rainey is perfect for fans of Ivy + Bean , Merci Suárez, and Ramona.   A dangerous beast is on the loose in Marisol Rainey's neighborhood! At least, Marisol thinks it’s a dangerous beast. She's never actually met the neighbor’s dog officially, but surely a big German shepherd can’t be anything else. That’s why she and her BFF Jada nicknamed him “Daggers.” When the Missing Dog posters around town reveal that his real name is Gregory, Marisol's fears don’t ease up one bit. He may be Gregory at home, but when he’s freely roaming the neighborhood with nothing to hold him back, he’s Daggers and nothing else. When Marisol tries to sleep, the image of Daggers and his sharp teeth comes to mind. Marisol doesn't even want to ride her bike anymore. What if Daggers leaps out of the bushes, knocks her over, and eats her? She feels like she can’t rest until she knows Daggers has been returned to her neighbor’s backyard. Strangely, no one else seems all that concerned for their safety. Only Marisol. Is Daggers big and super scary looking? Maybe . Is Marisol afraid? Surely . Will she eventually learn that there’s more to Daggers than meets the eye? Only if she faces her fears. Only Only Marisol Rainey is told in short chapters with illustrations by the author on almost every page, making it perfect for readers ready for a short and accessible novel. Erin Entrada Kelly’s stand-alone companion to Maybe Maybe Marisol Rainey and Surely Surely Marisol Rainey celebrates the small but mighty Marisol, the joys of friendship, the power of compassion, and the triumph of persevering. For readers of Kevin Henkes, Andrew Clements, Judy Blume, and Beverly Cleary.

Why read this book

  • Engages young readers with Marisol’s charming, adventurous spirit.
  • Illustrates valuable lessons on friendship and courage.
  • Encourages resilience and embracing one's uniqueness.
  • Ideal for enhancing literacy and emotional development.

The Big Picture

  • Marisol confronts fears, grows courage.
  • Imagination as a tool for problem-solving.
  • Resilience through personal challenges.

Diversity & Representation

  • Showcases culturally diverse characters, promoting inclusivity.
  • Marisol Rainey reflects biracial identity, resonating with many.
  • Encourages acceptance of diverse backgrounds through relatable storytelling.
Book in series
#3
Age
8-12
Length
160 pages
Text complexity
intermediate

Character Compass

Discussion points

How do you think Marisol feels when she faces things that scare her, and what do you do when you're scared?
Marisol has a vivid imagination. What are some of the most adventurous things you would like to imagine?
Friendship plays an important role in this story. What qualities do you value in your friends?
Marisol learns a lot about herself through her challenges. What have you learned about yourself when you've faced challenges?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use open-ended questions that allow children to express their feelings and thoughts about the story.
Relate the book’s themes to the child's personal experiences to foster deeper understanding and connection.
Encourage children to imagine their own scenarios or endings to the story to stimulate creativity.
Discuss the values demonstrated in the book, such as courage and friendship, and explore how these can be applied in real-life situations.

What parents love

Perfectly handles sensitive themes for young kids.
My child was hooked by Marisol’s charming adventures.
Educational yet incredibly fun to read together!
It beautifully discusses emotions, helped my child learn and understand.

Key Lessons

Example Lesson: Overcoming Fear
Explanation: Marisol Rainey, the main character, deals with her fear of climbing trees. Throughout the book, she learns to face this personal challenge with encouragement from her friends and her own inner strength.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to face their fears and overcome personal obstacles, whether it’s trying out a new sport, speaking in front of the class, or making new friends.
Example Lesson: Value of Friendship
Explanation: The story highlights how Marisol’s friends support and motivate her. They play a crucial role in helping her overcome her fear, showing the strength found in compassionate and encouraging friendships.
Real-World Application: Kids are encouraged to nurture friendships and be supportive friends themselves, understanding the positive impact they can have in each other’s lives.
Example Lesson: Importance of Imagination
Explanation: Marisol has a vivid imagination which she uses as a coping mechanism and a way to entertain herself. Her creativity is an essential part of how she interacts with the world and faces her fears.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to use their imagination not just for play, but as a tool to solve problems and face life's challenges.
Example Lesson: Self-Acceptance
Explanation: Across the story, Marisol learns to accept her unique traits, like her dislike for adventures despite her friends’ interests. This acceptance helps her to understand and appreciate her true self.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of self-love and being true to themselves, even when they feel different from others.
Example Lesson: Perseverance
Explanation: The narrative showcases Marisol’s repeated attempts and eventual success in climbing the tree, illustrating the theme of perseverance.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the value of persistence and hard work in achieving goals, regardless of the initial setbacks they might encounter.