Imogen, Obviously
on Goodreads (26,451)
What’s inside...
With humor and insight, #1 New York Times bestseller Becky Albertalli explores the nuances of sexuality, identity, and friendship. Imogen Scott, a self-proclaimed ally, navigates the complexities of queer relationships and self-discovery during a visit to her friend Lili's college. As Imogen pretends to be Lili's ex-girlfriend to fit in with Lili's queer friends, she begins to question her own sexual identity, especially after meeting Tessa, Lili's best friend. The journey challenges Imogen to confront her truths and what it means to be a true ally, leading to revelations about friendship, love, and acceptance. A Stonewall Honor Book.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
14-17
Length
432 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think Imogen felt when she started her new adventure? Can you relate to her feelings?
How did Imogen solve the problems she faced? What would you have done in her situation?
What was your favorite part of the story and why?
How did Imogen's journey change her by the end of the book? Have you ever changed after an important event?
What lessons do you think Imogen learned? Which of those lessons do you think are important for us?
Tip: Role play these questions
Let your child express their thoughts freely. Encourage them to delve deeper into the story’s events and relate them to their own experiences.
Use follow-up questions to guide your child to explore the character’s emotions and choices. This helps develop empathy and decision-making skills.
Encourage your child to imagine alternative endings or scenarios to boost their creativity and critical thinking.
Relate the story's themes or lessons to real-life events in your child’s life to make the reading experience more relevant and engaging.
After discussing the book, engage in an activity related to the story, like drawing their favorite scene or writing a letter to the main character. This helps solidify their understanding and personal connection to the story.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Self-acceptance
Explanation: The protagonist, Imogen, goes on a journey where she learns to embrace her unique qualities that make her stand out from her peers.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to appreciate their own differences and feel confident in who they are, which is vital in developing healthy self-esteem.
Example Lesson: Empathy
Explanation: Through her interactions with other characters, Imogen shows understanding and compassion, learning to see things from their perspective.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to be considerate of others' feelings and experiences, promoting a more inclusive and supportive environment at school and home.
Example Lesson: Perseverance
Explanation: Imogen faces various challenges throughout the book but she keeps striving to overcome them, demonstrating resilience.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the importance of persistence in achieving goals, whether it's in academics, sports, or personal projects.
Example Lesson: The value of friendship
Explanation: The story highlights how Imogen’s friends support her in her journey, showing the importance of building strong, supportive relationships.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of nurturing friendships and how mutual support can help overcome difficulties.
Example Lesson: Creativity
Explanation: Imogen uses creative solutions to tackle problems in the story, showcasing the power of thinking outside the box.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to embrace their creativity in problem-solving and expressing themselves in unique ways.