Just Right Jillian
on Goodreads (654)
What’s inside...
In this heartfelt middle-grade novel from debut author Nicole D. Collier, fifth-grader Jillian must learn to speak and break free of her shell to enter her school's academic competition and keep her promise to her grandmother. Fifth-grader Jillian will do just about anything to blend in, including staying quiet even when she has the right answer. After she loses a classroom competition because she won't speak up, she sets her mind on winning her school's biggest competition. But breaking out of her shell is easier said than done, and Jillian has only a month to keep her promise to her grandmother and prove to herself that she can speak up and show everyone her true self. A warm and relatable middle-grade debut novel about family, friendship, and finding the confidence to break free from the crowd and be who you truly are.
Age
8-12
Length
224 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Jillian
Discussion points
How do you think Jillian felt when she was afraid to show her true self? Have you ever felt similar?
What do you think helped Jillian become more confident? Can you think of a time when you felt more confident about something?
Why do you think it's important for Jillian to stay true to herself? What does being 'true to yourself' mean to you?
How did Jillian's relationship with her friends and family change throughout the book? How do your friends and family influence you?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to relate their personal experiences to Jillian’s, emphasizing the importance of self-confidence and authenticity.
Ask open-ended questions about the book’s characters and their decisions, guiding your child to reflect on how those decisions might relate to their own life.
Highlight scenes from the book where Jillian faces dilemmas and ask your child how they might have handled the same situations.
Discuss the outcomes of the story and encourage your child to imagine alternative endings based on different choices the characters might have made.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Self-acceptance
Explanation: Jillian learns to accept and embrace her true self despite her fears and the expectations of others.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to appreciate their unique qualities and feel confident in who they are, enhancing their self-esteem.
Example Lesson: Courage to face fears
Explanation: Throughout the book, Jillian confronts her personal fears, particularly in academic and social settings.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to tackle their own fears, whether it be speaking in class, trying out for a team, or making new friends.
Example Lesson: Importance of perseverance
Explanation: Jillian shows determination and resilience in her academic competitions and personal challenges.
Real-World Application: Children learn the value of persistence in achieving goals and overcoming obstacles, important in both school and life.
Example Lesson: Empathy and kindness
Explanation: Jillian navigates complex relationships and learns to understand and empathize with others around her.
Real-World Application: This can help children develop better interpersonal skills and learn to be considerate of others' feelings and perspectives.