God Went to Beauty School
Bccb Blue Ribbon Nonfiction Book Award (Awards) Series
on Goodreads (1,018)
What’s inside...
A deeply compelling collection of poems about God and our everyday world from a Newbery medalist. Cynthia Rylant takes teens on an invigorating spiritual journey as she explores what God's life on Earth might be like. Rylant's reflective and often humorous verse follows God as he tries out human activities such as getting a dog, writing a fan letter, and making spaghetti. God Went to Beauty School combines the awesome with the everyday in an accessible, thought–provoking, and intelligent manner.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
8-9
Length
56 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
God
Discussion points
What do you think the idea of God attending beauty school suggests about finding beauty in everyday things?
How do the different experiences of God in the book show us unique ways to see the world?
Why do you think the author chose to represent God in such a human-like manner?
Can you think of a moment in your life where you found beauty in an unexpected place, similar to how God did in the stories?
What feelings did you experience while reading these poems? Which poem was your favorite and why?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their thoughts freely without fear of judgment, which helps in nurturing their analytical and emotional skills.
Ask follow-up questions based on their responses to dive deeper into their understanding and interpretation of the stories.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Empathy and Understanding
Explanation: The book showcases everyday moments of divine presence in mundane activities, suggesting a shared human experience with God.
Real-World Application: Children learn to see the world from others' perspectives and recognize the universal emotions and experiences that connect us all.
Example Lesson: Creativity and Imagination
Explanation: The narrative portrays God engaging in simple creative activities, such as going to beauty school or making spaghetti, which highlights the beauty in creativity.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to explore their own creativity in everyday tasks and appreciate the creative expressions of others.
Example Lesson: Acceptance and Tolerance
Explanation: The book presents God in various commonplace scenarios, breaking traditional boundaries and fostering a sense of acceptance.
Real-World Application: Teaches children to embrace diversity in people and experiences, fostering a more inclusive attitude towards others.
Example Lesson: The Value of Simple Pleasures
Explanation: God's participation in regular, enjoyable activities, like visiting friends or watching TV, emphasizes the importance of finding joy in simple things.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to find happiness in daily life and to cherish the little moments that bring pleasure.
Example Lesson: Reflection and Self-Discovery
Explanation: The poetic nature of the book invites readers to contemplate and interpret the presence of the divine in ordinary settings.
Real-World Application: Motivates children to engage in self-reflection and explore their own beliefs and values through introspection and personal meditation.