Elinormal
on Goodreads (11)
What’s inside...
Elinor Malcolm is an eleven-year-old girl whose mother has big plans for her. When Elinor is rejected by a prestigious ballet academy, her attorney mother threatens a lawsuit, and Elinor is reluctantly accepted into the program. However, Elinor has no interest in ballet and skips class to hang out at an urban park where she meets Indira, an older girl with a seemingly magical ability to grant Elinor's wishes. The book has been praised as 'Beautifully written' by Kristi Yamaguchi, 'Highly recommended' by Penny Warner, and deemed 'The perfect book for Mother/Daughter Book Clubs' by Liz Epstein.
Age
9-12
Length
150 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Elinor Malcolm
Discussion points
How do you think Elinor felt when she didn't feel 'normal'? Can you relate to any of her feelings?
What do you think about Elinor’s special box? What would you put in your special box and why?
Elinor learns a lot about what makes her unique. What are some things that make you unique?
How did Elinor's friends and family help her feel accepted? Why is support important?
What does being 'normal' mean to you after reading this story?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use open-ended questions that prompt your child to think deeply about the characters and their feelings.
Share your own experiences related to feeling different or unique, which can help your child feel more comfortable expressing their thoughts.
Encourage your child to draw or write about what makes them unique, similar to Elinor’s special box, which can lead to a deeper discussion.
Reinforce the idea that everyone's definition of 'normal' is different and that diversity should be celebrated.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Embracing Individuality
Explanation: In 'Elinormal,' the protagonist, Elinor, demonstrates that being different is an asset, not a setback. Despite the initial struggles she faces when starting school, her unique qualities ultimately help her form friendships and feel included.
Real-World Application: Children can understand that their unique characteristics are valuable and should be celebrated. It helps them foster self-acceptance and encourages them to appreciate diversity among their peers.
Example Lesson: The importance of perseverance
Explanation: Elinor's journey illustrates the resilience required to adjust to new environments like school. Despite feeling out of place, she persists and finds her way, teaching children the value of staying the course even when challenges arise.
Real-World Application: This lesson can encourage children to keep trying in the face of difficulties, whether it’s dealing with schoolwork, sports, or making new friends.
Example Lesson: Developing empathy
Explanation: As Elinor interacts with her classmates, she learns to understand and share the feelings of others. This not only helps her in making new friends but also in becoming a compassionate person.
Real-World Application: This narrative can teach children the importance of considering others' feelings and perspectives, which can lead to more harmonious interactions at home, in school, and in play.
Example Lesson: Value of creativity
Explanation: Elinor uses her imagination to navigate and adapt to her new school environment, showing that creativity is not just about art, but about thinking on one's feet and finding solutions.
Real-World Application: Children can apply creativity practically in problem-solving or in expressing themselves, which can boost their confidence and ability to handle various situations.