I Wish You All the Best
#1 in I Wish You All the Best Series
on Goodreads (52,202)
What’s inside...
An alternate cover edition for 9781338306125 can be found here. When Ben De Backer comes out to their parents as nonbinary, they're thrown out of their house and forced to move in with their estranged older sister, Hannah, and her husband, Thomas, whom Ben has never even met. Struggling with an anxiety disorder compounded by their parents' rejection, they come out only to Hannah, Thomas, and their therapist and try to keep a low profile in a new school. But Ben's attempts to survive the last half of senior year unnoticed are thwarted when Nathan Allan, a funny and charismatic student, decides to take Ben under his wing. As Ben and Nathan's friendship grows, their feelings for each other begin to change, and what started as a disastrous turn of events looks like it might just be a chance to start a happier new life. At turns heartbreaking and joyous, I Wish You All the Best is both a celebration of life, friendship, and love, and a shining example of hope in the face of adversity.
Character compass
Ben De Backer
Mariam
Nathan Allan
Hannah De Backer
Thomas
Discussion points
How did Ben's journey of self-discovery resonate with you? What aspects of their experience felt most impactful?
What emotions did you feel when Ben faced challenges in expressing their gender identity? How do you think you would handle similar situations?
How important was the support system around Ben in their journey? Who in your life do you feel supports you unconditionally?
In what ways do you think understanding and acceptance of different identities can be improved in our society?
How can you relate the themes of resilience and self-acceptance in the book to your own life experiences?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start the conversation by sharing your own thoughts on the book's themes, emphasizing empathy and understanding. Allow your child to express their feelings and thoughts freely without interrupting. Use the questions to guide a deeper discussion about identity, acceptance, and resilience, linking them to real-life scenarios your child might encounter. Reinforce the importance of empathy and open-mindedness throughout your conversation, ensuring a safe and supportive environment for exchange of ideas.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Acceptance and empathy
Explanation: The protagonist's journey of self-discovery and acceptance encourages understanding and empathy towards individuals exploring their gender identity.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of accepting and empathizing with others who may have different experiences or identities, promoting inclusivity and respect in their daily interactions.
Example Lesson: Resilience in the face of adversity
Explanation: The main character faces rejection and challenges after coming out as non-binary. Their resilience in overcoming these obstacles highlights the strength in persevering through personal hardships.
Real-World Application: This lesson can inspire children to remain steadfast and resilient when facing their own challenges, understanding that perseverance can lead to personal growth and acceptance.
Example Lesson: The importance of supportive relationships
Explanation: The story shows how crucial friends and supportive individuals are in the protagonist’s journey, providing a safety net and understanding during difficult times.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to value and nurture supportive friendships and seek out positive social connections that encourage their wellbeing and acceptance.
Example Lesson: Self-expression and identity
Explanation: The book explores themes of self-expression and the courage it takes to live as one's authentic self, despite societal expectations.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to explore and express their own identities confidently and to respect others' expressions of identity.