A For Effort
#2 of 2 in A-Okay Series
on Goodreads (131)
What’s inside...
The next semiautobiographical graphic novel from Jarad Greene follows Jay as he navigates his freshman year of high school, dealing with new friendships, self-discovery, and the pressures of academic expectations. When Jay's preferred art class is full, he turns to theater class hoping for an easy A, but soon finds balancing his classes more challenging than anticipated. The story explores the journey of self-growth and the realization that it's not always the outcome, but the journey itself that truly matters. Perfect for fans of Yehudi Mercado and Rachel Elliott, 'A for Effort' offers a witty and honest exploration of high school challenges.
Discussion points
What do you think made the characters try their hardest even when things were tough?
How did the story change your thoughts about making mistakes?
What would you have done differently if you were in the main character's shoes?
Can you think of a time when you had to put in a lot of effort? How did it make you feel?
Who in the book would you like to be friends with and why?
Tip: Role play these questions
Begin the discussion by sharing a personal anecdote about a time effort led you to success, to create a relatable starting point.
Praise your child’s insights and encourage them to think deeply about how the themes relate to their own lives.
Ask follow-up questions based on your child's responses to dig deeper into their understanding and feelings about the story.
Relate the book’s messages to familiar situations at home or school to solidify the connections.
Capture their ideas and predictions about the characters, fostering a sense of anticipation and involvement in the storyline.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Perseverance
Explanation: The protagonist of 'A For Effort' faces several challenges but continues to try, demonstrating the value of persistence in achieving goals.
Real-World Application: Children learn that consistent effort and resilience are important when facing difficulties in schoolwork or personal tasks.
Example Lesson: Empathy
Explanation: Characters in the story learn to understand and share the feelings of others, fostering a nurturing environment.
Real-World Application: This lesson helps children in developing compassionate relationships with their peers and understanding diverse perspectives.
Example Lesson: Teamwork
Explanation: The book shows characters working together to solve problems, highlighting the importance of cooperation and collaboration.
Real-World Application: Kids see the importance of teamwork in group projects at school or in sports, enhancing their ability to work with others effectively.
Example Lesson: Importance of Education
Explanation: The story emphasizes the role of education and learning in personal growth and success.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to value their educational opportunities and strive for academic excellence.
Example Lesson: Creativity
Explanation: Characters in 'A For Effort' use creative solutions to navigate challenges, showing the power of innovative thinking.
Real-World Application: It inspires children to apply creativity in their problem-solving strategies, both in academic and personal scenarios.