Hole in the Middle
#1 of 8 in Donut Dreams Series
on Goodreads (167)
What’s inside...
Here's the latest fun, sweet series from the author of the Cupcake Diaries and Sprinkle Sundays series! Everything's better with a donut. Lindsay Cooper is about to start middle school and works at her family's restaurant, The Park View, at the Donut Dreams counter. Her grandmother started the counter to fund her dad's college education and Lindsay hopes to use her job to achieve her dream of going to school far from her small town. Since her mom passed away two years ago, home feels different and starting middle school without her mom is tough. However, with her cousins Kelsey and Molly, and her BFF Casey by her side, Lindsay learns that family and friends can fill the holes in her heart, making life as fun as a pink donut with rainbow sprinkles.
Character compass
Lindsay Cooper
Discussion points
How do you think the main character felt when they discovered the hole? What would you feel in that situation?
What are some ways the character tried to fill the hole? Which way do you think was the best?
What does the hole symbolize in the story? Can you think of a time you felt something was missing?
How did the character change by the end of the book? What did they learn about themselves?
If you had a chance to help the character, what advice would you give them?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage empathy by asking your child to consider the feelings of the main character in various situations throughout the book.
Discuss the symbolism of the 'hole' and relate it to personal experiences of feeling incomplete or needing something more.
Prompt your child to think critically about the different solutions attempted by the character and ask them to come up with their own creative solutions.
After reading, have your child draw a picture of what they think the hole looks like and discuss their drawing, reinforcing the themes and eliciting personal interpretations.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Self-acceptance
Explanation: The protagonist in 'Hole in the Middle' struggles with accepting a unique physical feature, but eventually learns to embrace her differences.
Real-World Application: This lesson can encourage children to accept and celebrate their own unique qualities, fostering a positive self-image.
Example Lesson: Empathy and understanding
Explanation: As the characters in the book interact, they learn to understand and empathize with each other's perspectives and challenges.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by showing empathy towards their peers, which can enhance their social interactions and friendships.
Example Lesson: Resilience in the face of adversity
Explanation: The main character faces challenges due to her unique feature, but she shows resilience and determination throughout the story.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to remain resilient and determined when facing their own challenges, promoting perseverance and inner strength.
Example Lesson: The importance of friendship
Explanation: The book highlights how friendships can provide support and acceptance, helping characters overcome personal insecurities.
Real-World Application: This lesson can inspire children to cherish and seek out supportive friendships, which can be crucial in personal development and emotional well-being.