Honestly Elliott
on Goodreads (1,334)
What’s inside...
Elliott, a middle school student struggling with ADHD and personal issues, is paired with popular and smart Maribel for a school project. Through their collaboration, they both discover new sides of themselves and learn to embrace their true identities, making unlikely friendships and learning from their mistakes along the way. The book highlights the journey of self-discovery and the impact of true friendship. It has received recognition as a Schneider Family Book Award: Best Middle Grade Honor Book, among other accolades.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
8-11
Length
263 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How do you think Elliott felt when he faced challenges in the story? Can you relate to his feelings?
What are some ways Elliott showed he was a good friend? Why is being a good friend important?
If you were in Elliott's shoes, how would you handle the situations he encountered?
What lessons did Elliott learn by the end of the book? Have you learned similar lessons in your life?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their feelings about the story, relating it to their own experiences.
Ask open-ended questions to promote critical thinking and personal connection to the story's themes.
Discuss the importance of friendship and honesty, drawing parallels to real-life scenarios your child might encounter.
After reading, consider role-playing a scene from the book to help your child understand the characters' emotions and decisions better.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Honesty
Explanation: Throughout the book, the main character, Elliott, learns the importance of being truthful even when it's difficult. His journey demonstrates the positive outcomes that can arise from being honest.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by understanding the value of honesty in building trust with friends and family, learning to own up to mistakes and speak the truth.
Example Lesson: Empathy
Explanation: As Elliott interacts with diverse characters, he learns to understand and share the feelings of others, which helps him build stronger relationships.
Real-World Application: This can help children in recognizing emotions in others and responding with kindness and understanding, fostering positive social interactions.
Example Lesson: Perseverance
Explanation: Elliott faces several challenges throughout the book, but he learns to keep trying and not give up, demonstrating resilience.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to persist through their own challenges, whether in academics, sports, or personal goals, understanding that perseverance is key to overcoming obstacles.
Example Lesson: Responsibility
Explanation: Elliott is given tasks that he must complete, teaching him to be responsible and accountable.
Real-World Application: Kids can see the importance of taking responsibility for their actions and duties, be it in their chores, schoolwork, or in interactions with others.