Self-Awareness and Personal Discovery
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1. Wonder by R.J. Palacio
Synopsis: This is the story of a 10-year-old boy named August (Auggie for short) who has Treacher Collins syndrome, which has disfigured his face and requires special care. Due to his condition, Auggie was homeschooled by his mother up until 5th grade, when his parents enrolled him in a private school. This book teaches that stepping out of your comfort zone is not always easy but is often worth it. Along with kindness, other themes include anti-bullying, compassion, acceptance, and empathy for others.
How might this book support personal growth for young readers?
This book would support personal growth for young readers by giving them the understanding that it is okay to be different and that no matter what you face in life, you can overcome difficulties and succeed.
How might this book teach the lesson of respecting differences among children?
This book teaches lessons about respecting the differences among children by fostering an anti-bullying approach. The boy in the story was "different" from his peers because he was homeschooled and had Treacher Collins Syndrome. By the end of the book, all the kids had loved Auggie despite his differences.
How might this book offer experiences to students that promote a sense of being a successful reader?
This book allows students to feel a connection to the character, which keeps them engaged and makes them want to read more. The vocabulary in this book is more extensive but still allows the readers to comprehend the storyline.
https://www.amazon.com/Wonder-R-J-Palacio/dp/0375869026
2. Soul Surfer by Bethany Hamilton
Synopsis:
Bethany Hamilton is a competitive surfer who, as a teenager, was aiming for the big leagues. Bethany had a near-death experience when a tiger shark attacked her, and as a result, she lost one of her arms. Her faith in God helped her be resilient in the face of adversity. Overcoming her struggles, learning to do her daily activities without her arm, and learning to surf again helped Bethany gain personal strength.
How might this book support personal growth for young readers?
This book promotes personal growth by teaching its readers about acceptance of others and being resilient when faced with a difficult time.
How might this book teach the lesson of respecting differences among children?
This book teaches the lesson of respecting differences among other children by showing its readers that you should not give up and quit when dealt a tough hand.
How might this book offer experiences to students that promote a sense of being a successful reader?
Reading about Bethany's struggles and triumphs shows that with enough willpower, you will thrive.
https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/Soul-Surfer/Bethany-Hamilton/9781416503460
3. Smile Inside by Vanessa Lee
Synopsis:
"During adolescence, young people thrive when given opportunities for self-analysis and personal improvement while building genuine connections with their peers. This resource offers an essential collection of sixty-five effective and fun activities designed to be a powerful prevention program to counteract bullying, self-destructive behaviors, social isolation, and apathy. In addition, modules and activities can be used individually to meet any group’s needs. This inspiring handbook provides step-by-step instructions for teachers, youth workers, and counselors who work with teenagers in schools, youth groups, camps, and therapy-based support settings." (Lee, 2013)
How might this book support personal growth for young readers?
This book helps teens step back and personally evaluate themselves.
How might this book teach the lesson of respecting differences among children?
It teaches adolescents that we are not all alike, which is okay.
How might this book offer experiences to students that promote a sense of being a successful reader?
When students read of the sixty-five effective activities designed to help combat bullying and self-destructive behavior, they will empowered.
https://www.amazon.com/Smile-Inside-Experiential-Activities-Self-Awareness/dp/0989511146
