Out of Step
on Goodreads (3)
What’s inside...
After his father remarries, twelve-year-old Jeremy begins to feel that there is no place for him in a family which now includes a stepsister his age who is a superb athlete. When his widowed father remarries, Jeremy not only has to adjust to a new stepmother, but also he must cope with a stepsister, Allison, a superb athlete who appears to be taking all of his father's attention from him.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
4-8
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How did you feel about the way the characters handled their differences?
What do you think makes a good friend?
Can you think of a time when you felt different from others? How did you handle it?
What did you learn from the story about overcoming challenges?
How can we help others who might feel out of step or left out?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their thoughts and feelings about the story, validating their emotions and perspectives.
Relate the story's scenarios to personal experiences or current events to make the conversation more relevant and engaging.
Ask follow-up questions based on your child's responses to encourage deeper thinking and understanding.
Highlight the positive behaviors exhibited by characters in the book and discuss how these can be applied in real-life situations.
Use this discussion as an opportunity to teach empathy and the importance of embracing differences in others.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Embracing Differences
Explanation: In 'Out of Step,' the main character, Casey, struggles with being different because she has to wear leg braces. Through the storyline, children see how Casey overcomes challenges and finds acceptance.
Real-World Application: This lesson teaches children to appreciate and embrace their own differences and those of others, promoting empathy and understanding in their daily interactions.
Example Lesson: Perseverance Through Challenges
Explanation: Casey demonstrates perseverance as she learns to navigate life with her new leg braces, showing kids that persistence is key to overcoming obstacles.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to persist through their own challenges, whether they be learning new skills or adapting to changes, reinforcing resilience.
Example Lesson: The Power of Friendship
Explanation: The support Casey receives from her friends plays a crucial role in her journey. This highlights the importance of friendship and support systems.
Real-World Application: This can encourage children to support their friends and seek help when needed, fostering strong, supportive relationships.
Example Lesson: Self-acceptance
Explanation: Casey's journey leads her to a point of self-acceptance despite her physical challenges. Her self-esteem grows as she learns to accept her condition.
Real-World Application: This lesson motivates children to accept themselves as they are, boosting their confidence and self-esteem in everyday life.
Example Lesson: Innovation and Creativity
Explanation: Casey uses her creativity to adapt to her braces and find new ways to participate in activities she loves.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the value of thinking creatively to solve problems and adapt to new situations, enhancing their problem-solving skills and adaptability.