The Girl With 500 Middle Names
What’s inside...
JANIE WHO? It's hard enough being the new kid in school. It's even tougher when all of your new classmates live in big houses and wear expensive clothes, while your parents have little and are risking everything just to give you a chance at a better life. Now Janie's about to do something that will make her stand out even more among the rich kids at Satterthwaite School. Something that will have everyone wondering just who Janie Sams really is. And something that will mean totally unexpected changes for Janie and her family. 'That's not your name,' the girl beside me said as I was hanging up my coat. She was reading my sweater. 'Maybe Alexandria is my middle name,' I said. Janie's mother started a knitting business just so Janie's family could move and Janie could go to a better school. But Janie is poorer than her new classmates, and she doesn't fit in. When her mother's business falls apart, Janie thinks of a way to help her family. But it means she will stand out even more. Is she strong enough to face the challenge? This is the heartwarming story of a girl whose belief in her family enables her to risk embarrassment -- and to make new friends.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
7-10
Length
96 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How do you think Janie felt when she decided to change her name? Can you relate to her desire to feel special or different?
Why do you think names are so important to people? How do they contribute to our identity?
Janie makes changes to stand out at her new school. Have you ever felt the need to change something about yourself to fit in or be noticed?
What did you think about the way Janie’s classmates reacted to her new names? What would you have done in her situation?
Can you think of a time when you helped someone feel more accepted, like Stephen did for Janie?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage empathy by asking your child how they would feel in Janie’s shoes at various points in the story.
Discuss the importance of names and identity, sharing stories about how and why they were named or any nicknames they have.
Highlight moments in the story where characters show kindness or unkindness, and ask your child what they would do differently.
Reinforce the idea of self-acceptance by focusing on themes from the book where characters learn to appreciate their uniqueness.
Use examples from the book to have a broader conversation about peer pressure and the importance of making personal choices that feel right.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of self-identity
Explanation: Janie, the protagonist, uses her middle names to express her unique identity and cope with her new, challenging environment when she moves to a different school.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to embrace and express their uniqueness, understanding that it's okay to stand out and be proud of who they are, even when facing new and unfamiliar situations.
Example Lesson: Empathy and understanding
Explanation: Through her interactions, Janie learns to understand the perspectives and struggles of others, including her own mother's sacrifices.
Real-World Application: This story encourages children to consider the feelings and backgrounds of others, promoting empathy and deeper social connections.
Example Lesson: Resilience in the face of adversity
Explanation: Janie shows resilience as she navigates the challenges of being at a new school with students from more affluent backgrounds.
Real-World Application: Children can draw on Janie's experience to foster their own resilience when confronted with difficulties, learning that perseverance can lead to personal growth and improved circumstances.
Example Lesson: The value of education
Explanation: Janie's mother emphasizes the importance of education as a means to a better life, despite their current economic struggles.
Real-World Application: This lesson underscores for children the long-term benefits of education and inspires them to pursue learning with vigor and dedication.
Example Lesson: Respect for diversity
Explanation: The book highlights interactions between characters of different socio-economic backgrounds, which leads to mutual respect and understanding.
Real-World Application: Children learn to respect and value diversity, recognizing that everyone has a unique story and deserves respect regardless of their background.