It's Not Bragging If It's True: How to Be Awesome at Life, from a Winner of the Scripps National Spelling Bee
on Goodreads (142)
What’s inside...
It's Not Bragging If It's True: How to Be Awesome at Life, from a Winner of the Scripps National Spelling Bee by Zaila Avant-Garde is a self-help book that offers practical advice and inspiration for young people to achieve success in their lives. The author, a winner of the Scripps National Spelling Bee, shares her personal experiences and insights on how to develop a strong work ethic, build confidence, and overcome obstacles to achieve one's goals. The book emphasizes the importance of self-belief, perseverance, and a growth mindset, and provides actionable tips and strategies for readers to apply in their own lives. Throughout the book, Avant-Garde's positive and empowering message encourages young readers to embrace their unique talents and abilities, and to pursue their dreams with passion and determination. The book is a motivational and uplifting resource for young people looking to unlock their full potential and achieve success in all aspects of their lives.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
8-12
Length
144 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What qualities do you think make someone awesome at life, as shown in the book?
How did the characters in the story demonstrate perseverance and resilience?
What are some new things you learned from the characters’ experiences in the spelling bee?
Can you think of a time when you faced a challenge like one of the characters? How did you handle it?
If you could give advice to one of the characters in the book, what would it be and why?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to relate their personal experiences or ambitions to those presented in the book, fostering deeper connection and understanding. Emphasize the value of effort and learning from mistakes, underscoring the book’s themes. Ask open-ended questions that prompt your child to reflect critically on the story, enhancing both comprehension and analytical thinking skills.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Perseverance pays off
Explanation: The protagonist's journey to winning the Scripps National Spelling Bee exemplifies the value of persistent effort and dedication.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by staying committed to their goals, whether in academics, sports, or other personal interests, understanding that consistent effort leads to success.
Example Lesson: Learning from failure
Explanation: The story highlights how the protagonist encounters setbacks but uses them as learning opportunities, eventually leading to triumph.
Real-World Application: Kids can learn to view their own mistakes and failures as valuable lessons, helping them build resilience and a growth mindset in all aspects of life.
Example Lesson: The importance of preparation
Explanation: The book shows how thorough preparation is key to the protagonist's success at the spelling bee, underlining the importance of being well-prepared.
Real-World Application: This can encourage children to adopt a disciplined approach to their studies and other activities by preparing thoroughly to meet their objectives.
Example Lesson: Healthy competition
Explanation: The protagonist's interactions with peers in the competition are portrayed positively, promoting the idea of competing while maintaining respect and camaraderie.
Real-World Application: Children can reflect this in their daily interactions, understanding that competition can be friendly and a chance to inspire and uplift each other.