Ellie Engle Saves Herself
on Goodreads (858)
What’s inside...
From award-winning YA author Leah Johnson comes her magical middle grade debut: a laugh-until-you-cry, cry-until-you-laugh story about an ordinary girl whose life is turned upside down by some extraordinary powers. Ellie Engle doesn't stand out at home, at the bakery, or at school, where she is overshadowed by her best friend Abby. However, Ellie is content with her life until a freak earthquake grants her the power to bring anything back to life with just her touch. As a video of her using her powers goes viral, Ellie is thrust into the spotlight, navigating the challenges of middle school, paparazzi, and her feelings for Abby.
Age
8-12
Length
288 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Ellie Engle
Abby Ortega
Discussion points
What do you think made Ellie Engle brave enough to save herself?
How do you think Ellie felt when she faced challenges? Can you relate to her feelings?
What is one thing Ellie did that you admire, and why?
If you were in Ellie’s shoes, what would you have done differently in her situation?
What does this story teach us about friendship and courage?
Tip: Role play these questions
Highlight Ellie’s emotions during key moments to help your child understand and connect with her character.
Ask your child to imagine alternative endings or situations in the story, enhancing creative thinking.
Encourage your child to express their thoughts and feelings about the story, fostering open communication.
Relate the book’s themes to real-life situations your child might encounter to make them more relevant.
Discuss the actions and decisions of other characters in the book besides Ellie to provide a broader perspective of the story.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Self-empowerment
Explanation: Ellie Engle takes charge of her own challenges, demonstrating independence and resourcefulness throughout her adventures.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of believing in themselves and taking initiative to solve problems, which can be applied in school tasks or personal projects.
Example Lesson: Importance of honesty
Explanation: Ellie faces situations where she must choose between easy lies and difficult truths, choosing honesty ultimately strengthens her relationships.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the value of truthfulness in building trust and integrity in friendships and family relationships.
Example Lesson: Empathy and understanding
Explanation: Ellie learns to understand different perspectives, especially when she encounters characters from diverse backgrounds.
Real-World Application: Children learn to appreciate and respect differences in others, fostering inclusivity and compassion in their interactions.
Example Lesson: Perseverance in adversity
Explanation: Despite numerous setbacks, Ellie remains determined and does not give up on her goals.
Real-World Application: This highlights the importance of persistence and resilience for children when facing their own difficulties or setbacks in life.
Example Lesson: Teamwork and collaboration
Explanation: Ellie collaborates with other characters to overcome challenges, emphasizing that teamwork can lead to success.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to work cooperatively in group settings such as school projects or sports, enhancing social and cooperative skills.