Just Pretend
on Goodreads (1,522)
What’s inside...
A graphic memoir following a young girl named Tori as she navigates middle school and the challenges of her parents' divorce. Living between her mom's house and her dad's apartment, Tori feels out of place and treated like a child at both homes. At school, her friendships are changing and slipping out of her control. Tori turns to books and writing to cope, creating stories in her head that provide solace and help her navigate the upheaval in her life. As everything around her—friendships, school, family—begins to fall apart, her stories become her saving grace. This graphic memoir is a national bestseller.
Age
8-12
Length
304 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Tori Sharp
Dad
Mom
Discussion points
What did you think about how Jane used her imagination? Can you think of a time you used your imagination like that?
Why do you think Jane felt better after sharing her stories with her friends and family?
How do the drawings in the book add to the story for you? Which illustration was your favorite and why?
Jane faces some challenges in the story. What are some challenges you've faced and how did you try to overcome them?
Tip: Role play these questions
While discussing, let your child lead the conversation; you might uncover insights into their thoughts and feelings.
Refer to specific scenes or illustrations from the book to prompt detailed responses and encourage your child to recall the story vividly.
Encourage your child to draw parallels between their experiences and Jane’s, fostering empathy and understanding.
Use the themes of creativity and resilience from the book to inspire your child to discuss their personal aspirations and how they might achieve them.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The power of imagination
Explanation: Just Pretend' follows the protagonist as they use their imagination to navigate different challenges, demonstrating creativity and problem-solving.
Real-World Application: Children can use their imagination to approach their real-life problems in creative ways, fostering innovative thinking and solutions.
Example Lesson: Coping with family changes
Explanation: The story deals with the protagonist adjusting to a new family dynamic, which can help children understand and accept changes within their own families.
Real-World Application: Children learn resilience and adaptability when faced with changes like moving to a new city or changes in family structure.
Example Lesson: The value of self-expression
Explanation: Through storytelling and pretend play, the main character expresses complex feelings and thoughts, highlighting the importance of communication.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to express their thoughts and emotions through art, play, or dialogue, fostering effective communication skills.
Example Lesson: Developing empathy
Explanation: Interactions with various characters allow the protagonist to see different perspectives, nurturing an understanding of others’ emotions and viewpoints.
Real-World Application: Children can practice empathy by considering their friends' feelings and perspectives during group activities or conflicts.
Example Lesson: Problem-solving skills
Explanation: As challenges arise in the imaginary world, the protagonist strategizes solutions, which emphasizes critical thinking and decision making.
Real-World Application: Teaches children to think critically and make decisions when faced with their own challenges at school or in social settings.