Starring Grace
The Graces Series
What’s inside...
In this high-spirited storybook, Grace, the heroine of Mary Hoffman's classic picture book 'Amazing Grace', embarks on a series of dramatic holiday adventures with her friends. She uses her imagination to transform into various characters and tackle different scenarios. Grace has transitioned from picture book to fiction book format, and the stories address the sensitive topic of her absent father and her mother's new boyfriend with insight into children's emotional needs. During summer vacation, Grace leads her friends through various escapades like playing circus, inventing a time machine, exploring a haunted house, and starring in a town musical. The book has a first printing of 20,000 copies.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
7-10
Length
96 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Grace
Paula
Raj
Aimee
Nana
Ma
Discussion points
How do you think Grace felt when she faced challenges? Can you share a time when you felt the same?
Grace loves stories and acting. What are some of your favorite stories or characters to pretend to be?
What can you learn from Grace’s friendship with her friends in the book? How do you help your friends?
Grace shows a lot of imagination and creativity. What are some ways you like to use your imagination?
How did Grace handle situations when things didn’t go her way? What would you have done in her place?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their thoughts and feelings about the story, relating them to their own experiences. Use the questions to guide a deeper understanding of the characters and themes. Validate their feelings and provide examples from the book to support the discussion, creating a connection between fiction and real-life scenarios. Highlight Grace's resilience and creativity, asking your child how they might incorporate those qualities in their own life.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Empathy
Explanation: Grace explores various roles and situations through her imaginative play, helping her understand different perspectives.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to put themselves in others' shoes, fostering kindness and understanding in diverse social settings.
Example Lesson: Creativity
Explanation: The protagonist, Grace, uses her imagination to create vivid stories and play scenes, showing the power of creativity.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to use their imagination in play and storytelling, enhancing cognitive flexibility and problem-solving skills.
Example Lesson: Confidence
Explanation: Through her adventures, Grace gains confidence in her abilities and ideas, inspiring self-assurance.
Real-World Application: Children can be encouraged to believe in themselves and their capabilities, boosting their self-esteem and willingness to try new things.
Example Lesson: Importance of Family
Explanation: Grace's family supports her imaginative endeavors and participates in her stories, emphasizing family bonding.
Real-World Application: Promotes spending quality time with family through shared activities, strengthening familial ties and support networks.
Example Lesson: Inclusivity
Explanation: Grace and her friends from diverse backgrounds play and share stories together, showcasing inclusivity.
Real-World Application: Teaches children to embrace diversity in friendships and learn from each other's unique experiences and backgrounds.