Dancing in the Storm
on Goodreads (110)
What’s inside...
In the tradition of Out of My Mind and Rules, and inspired by the co-author's own life, this is a heartfelt, candid, and illuminating story of a girl named Kate learning to live fully with a rare genetic disorder called Fibrodysplasia Ossificans Progressiva (FOP). Living a normal life in Baton Rouge with friends, family, gymnastics, and Girl Scouts, Kate's world changes drastically at the age of twelve when she develops a mysterious shoulder pain. This marks the beginning of her journey with FOP, a condition that causes bone to form in unexpected places and for which there is no cure yet. With the help of her family, friends, and a pen pal named Amie who also has FOP, Kate learns to navigate her new reality. Drawing upon co-author Amie Specht's own experiences, she and novelist Shannon Hitchcock craft a poignant, eye-opening, and uplifting narrative about finding courage and joy despite adversity.
Age
8-12
Length
224 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think the main character felt when facing the storm? Can you describe a time when you felt something similar?
How did the characters in the book help each other? Why is teamwork important in tough situations?
What are some ways the characters showed bravery? How can we show bravery in our daily lives?
The storm in the book can be a metaphor for challenges we face. What are some 'storms' we might encounter, and how can we 'dance' through them?
Tip: Role play these questions
While discussing the book, relate the challenges faced by the characters to real-life situations in the child’s life to make the conversation more relatable.
Encourage the child to express their feelings and thoughts freely by affirming their responses, which will help in fostering a deeper understanding of the book’s themes.
Use examples of teamwork and support from the child's own experiences (like family or school) to draw parallels with the characters' strategies in overcoming obstacles.
Promote empathy by asking the child to consider how different characters might have felt during key moments in the story, enhancing their emotional intelligence.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Resilience in adversity
Explanation: In 'Dancing in the Storm,' the main character faces various challenges but learns to find joy and strength in difficult times through dance.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to find their own ways to cope with challenges, understanding that tough situations can be managed and even transformed into positive experiences.
Example Lesson: Empathy and understanding
Explanation: The story showcases how friends and community come together to support each other during storms, teaching the value of understanding others' difficulties.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to be supportive and considerate towards their friends and peers who may be going through tough times, promoting a supportive community ethos.
Example Lesson: Creativity as an outlet
Explanation: The protagonist uses dance as a form of expression and coping mechanism, illustrating the power of creativity.
Real-World Application: Children can be encouraged to explore and engage in creative activities like dance, art, or writing to express their feelings and thoughts in a constructive way.
Example Lesson: The importance of community
Explanation: The story highlights how people within a community come together to help each other during a storm, emphasizing the strength and safety found in unity.
Real-World Application: Children can learn the value of participating in community activities and experience the benefits of collective effort and mutual aid.
Example Lesson: Hope and positivity
Explanation: Despite the storm, the protagonist maintains a hopeful outlook and encourages others, which positively influences the community.
Real-World Application: This lesson teaches children to maintain a positive attitude in the face of difficulties, influencing not only their own well-being but also inspiring positivity in others.