When Things Aren't Going Right, Go Left
What’s inside...
From #1 New York Times bestselling creator Peter H. Reynolds and debut author Marc Colagiovanni comes an inspirational picture book, 'When Things Aren't Going Right, Go Left.' The story centers around the theme of optimism and overcoming adversity by choosing one's own path. Through playful language and whimsical illustrations, the book empowers readers to recognize their agency and strength. It serves as an uplifting gift and a powerful reminder of perseverance and positivity through life's challenges.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
4-10
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think it means to 'go left' when things are not going right?
Can you think of a time when you tried something different after your first plan didn’t work?
How did the characters in the story feel when things weren’t going right? How did their feelings change when they decided to 'go left'?
What are some ways you can be creative when solving a problem?
Why do you think it's important to keep trying new things, even when it's tough?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use personal stories: Share your own experiences where you had to 'go left' and how it affected the outcome.
Encourage empathy: Ask your child to consider how the characters felt in different situations, fostering emotional intelligence.
Focus on problem-solving: Discuss different strategies the characters used and how your child might apply these in their own life.
Highlight resilience: Reinforce the message that it’s okay to fail and important to keep looking for new solutions.
Create a supportive environment: Ensure your child feels comfortable expressing their thoughts and feelings about the book’s themes.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Resilience
Explanation: The story illustrates how the characters face challenges and learn to overcome them by thinking creatively and not giving up.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by learning to persist through difficulties in school or in their personal lives, understanding that setbacks can be stepping stones to success.
Example Lesson: Flexibility
Explanation: When faced with a situation that doesn’t go as planned, characters in the book adapt by taking new and unexpected paths.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to adapt to changes, such as moving to a new school or dealing with unexpected situations, by finding new ways to approach them.
Example Lesson: Optimism
Explanation: The book promotes a positive outlook, showing that sometimes, a change in direction can lead to new opportunities.
Real-World Application: Children learn to view challenges as opportunities, fostering a positive attitude towards problem-solving and life’s unpredictable moments.
Example Lesson: Problem Solving
Explanation: Characters in the book solve problems by 'going left,' which metaphorically teaches innovative thinking outside of conventional solutions.
Real-World Application: This lesson can be applied in a child's everyday life by encouraging them to think creatively when faced with tasks or conflicts and not just rely on the first or most obvious solution.