I Wish I Was Strong Like Manuel
What’s inside...
How far will boys go to be like their best friend? Willie and Manuel grow to appreciate their own uniqueness. Two boys books and two girls books in this I Wish series.
Age
9-12
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How do you think Luis felt when he saw Manuel lift the heavy box?
If you were Luis, what would you have done in the park?
What are some things that make you feel strong?
Why do you think it's important to help others, like Manuel helps Luis?
Can you think of a time when you helped someone and how it made you feel?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start the conversation by sharing a personal story about a time you felt strong or needed help.
Praise your child for insightful responses and encourage them to elaborate on their thoughts.
Relate the book's themes to real-life situations your child may encounter to deepen their understanding.
Ask your child to draw a picture of themselves doing something strong, and discuss the feelings associated with it.
Make connections between the book’s characters and people your child knows to make the discussion more relatable.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Strength comes in many forms
Explanation: The book follows the story of a young boy who admires his friend Manuel's physical strength, but gradually discovers his own strengths in areas like kindness, intelligence, and creativity.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this by recognizing and valuing their own unique abilities and those of others, fostering self-esteem and appreciation for diversity.
Example Lesson: Friendship and support
Explanation: As the protagonist admires Manuel, he learns the importance of supporting friends and being supported in return, demonstrating the strong bond of friendship through their interactions.
Real-World Application: Kids learn the significance of supporting their friends in different ways, whether they need help in studies, sports, or emotional support, enhancing social skills.
Example Lesson: Perseverance and self-improvement
Explanation: The protagonist tries various activities to discover his strengths, showing perseverance even when he faces setbacks and ultimately finding his own version of strength.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the value of persistence in developing new skills and improving existing ones, helping them to navigate challenges in their own lives.
Example Lesson: Empathy and understanding
Explanation: The protagonist's journey allows him to understand that everyone has different strengths, leading to deeper empathy for his peers.
Real-World Application: Children learn to be more empathetic and understanding towards others' differences, which is crucial for building respectful and caring relationships.