This Book Is Not for You!
What’s inside...
From New York Times bestselling and Newbery Honor-winning author Shannon Hale and award-winning illustrator Tracy Subisak, comes a zany picture book that pokes fun at overly gendered notions of 'boy books' and 'girl books' and celebrates the pleasure of a good book. Stanley's thrilled for bookmobile day—until the old man at the window refuses to lend him the story he wants, all because it features a girl. 'Girl books' are only for girls, the book man insists, just like cat books are only for cats and robot books are only for robots. But when a dinosaur arrives at the bookmobile and successfully demands a book about ponies, Stanley musters the courage to ask for the tale he really wants—about a girl adventurer fighting pirates on the open seas. By speaking up, Stanley inspires the people, cats, robots, and goats around him to read more stories outside their experiences and enjoy the pleasure of a good book of their choosing.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
3-7
Length
40 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think the main character felt when they were told the book wasn't for them? How would you feel in that situation?
Can you think of a time when you were told you couldn't do something? How did you respond?
Why do you think the author chose to tell this story? What message do you think they wanted to share with us?
How do you think the story would change if everyone could read the book? How would the characters' experiences be different?
What qualities do you admire in the main character? Are there any qualities you would like to adopt?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage empathy by asking your child how they relate to the characters' emotions and experiences.
Help your child connect the story to their own life by discussing similar personal experiences.
Foster critical thinking by discussing the author’s purpose and the potential impacts of the story’s themes.
Promote creativity by brainstorming different ways the story might have ended or asking your child to invent a new character.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Respecting Boundaries
Explanation: In 'This Book Is Not for You!', the protagonist enforces boundaries by declaring the book off-limits, teaching children about personal space and limits.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by learning to respect others' privacy and personal belongings, ensuring healthy interpersonal relationships.
Example Lesson: Curiosity and Exploration
Explanation: The title challenges the reader, sparking curiosity and engagement with the book, despite the warning that it's not for them.
Real-World Application: This can encourage children to explore new topics or areas they are unsure about, fostering a love for learning and discovery.
Example Lesson: Critical Thinking
Explanation: The book's reverse psychology approach makes children question why the book is not for them and think critically about its content.
Real-World Application: Such critical thinking skills are essential in analyzing situations and making informed decisions in everyday scenarios.
Example Lesson: Understanding Consequences
Explanation: As the story progresses, the consequences of ignoring the book's initial warning unfold, teaching about actions and results.
Real-World Application: This lesson helps children understand that their choices have outcomes that they must consider and be prepared for.
Example Lesson: Joy of Reading
Explanation: Despite the initial prohibition, the engaging content of the book provides enjoyment and entertainment, reinforcing the fun aspect of reading.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to regularly engage in reading for pleasure, which can improve literacy skills and academic performance.