Every Last Word
on Goodreads (117,467)
What’s inside...
Samantha McAllister appears to be a typical popular girl in her junior class, but beneath her polished exterior lies a secret: she has Purely-Obsessional OCD, which fills her mind with dark, uncontrollable thoughts. Struggling with the pressures of fitting in with her toxic friends, Sam meets Caroline, who introduces her to Poet's Corner, a group of misfits who accept her as she is. As she connects with them, especially a guitar-playing poet, she starts to discover a new side of herself and feels more normal than ever before. However, just as she begins to find her footing, a new revelation threatens her sanity and everything she holds dear.
Age
11-14
Length
358 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Samantha Mcallister
Caroline
Aj Olsen
Hailey
Discussion points
How do you think Sam's struggle with OCD affects her relationships with her friends and family?
What did you think about the Poet's Corner and how it helped Sam express herself? Can you think of any creative outlets that help you in similar ways?
What role do you think friendship plays in Sam's journey throughout the book? Can you share a time when a friend helped you through a difficult situation?
How did your feelings about Sam change from the beginning of the book to the end? What do you think this says about how people can grow and change?
What did you learn about mental health from this story? Why is it important to talk about these topics?
Tip: Role play these questions
Before starting the discussion, remind your child that every opinion is valid and it's okay to have different feelings about the book.
Encourage your child to compare their own experiences with friendships or school to those of Sam, fostering empathy and deeper understanding.
Post discussion, highlight the importance of supportive relationships and how they can help individuals cope with personal challenges.
Utilize examples from the book to discuss the benefits of creative expression in managing emotions and challenges.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Understanding and Acceptance of Mental Health
Explanation: The protagonist, Sam, navigates life with OCD, illustrating the challenges and triumphs associated with mental health issues.
Real-World Application: This can help children understand that everyone has unique challenges, encouraging empathy and acceptance in their interactions with peers who may face mental health issues.
Example Lesson: The Power of Supportive Friendships
Explanation: Sam finds solace and understanding in a secret poetry club, showing how supportive friendships can be crucial for emotional support.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to seek out and maintain supportive friendships, understanding their value in emotional health and wellbeing.
Example Lesson: The Importance of Self-Expression
Explanation: Through poetry, Sam expresses her feelings and manages her fears, demonstrating how creative outlets can aid in personal and emotional development.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to explore and engage in creative activities like writing, painting, or music as healthy outlets for self-expression and emotional management.
Example Lesson: Resilience in the Face of Challenges
Explanation: As Sam confronts her OCD and the trials of high school, her journey epitomizes resilience.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to persevere through their own difficulties, understanding that resilience is key to overcoming obstacles.
Example Lesson: The Importance of Seeking Help
Explanation: Sam’s progress with her mental health improves significantly with professional help, emphasizing the importance of seeking guidance when needed.
Real-World Application: Teaches children the importance of asking for help from adults, peers, or professionals when dealing with emotional or mental challenges.