Just Roll with It: (A Graphic Novel)
#1 of 2 in Just Roll With It Series
on Goodreads (2,375)
What’s inside...
Starting middle school is hard enough when you don't know anyone; it's even harder when you're shy. A contemporary middle-grade graphic novel for fans of Guts and Real Friends about how dealing with anxiety and OCD can affect everyday life. As long as Maggie rolls the right number, nothing can go wrong...right? Maggie just wants to get through her first year of middle school. But between finding the best after-school clubs, trying to make friends, and avoiding the rumored monster on school grounds, she's having a tough time...so she might need a little help from her twenty-sided dice. But what happens if Maggie rolls the wrong number? A touching middle-grade graphic novel that explores the complexity of anxiety, OCD, and learning to trust yourself and the world around you. 'A charming, compassionate story that's sure to resonate with anyone who's ever stayed up worrying.' -Gale Galligan, adaptor and illustrator of the Baby-Sitters Club graphic novel series.
Character compass
Maggie
Discussion points
How do you think Maggie felt when she had to face new challenges? Can you relate to her feelings?
What did you learn about managing anxiety and stress from Maggie's experiences?
Why do you think friendship is important in Maggie's journey? How do your friends help you?
How did Maggie change from the beginning to the end of the story? What do you think caused these changes?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their emotions by relating to Maggie's experiences, fostering a deeper connection to the themes of resilience and coping mechanisms.
Discuss the various coping strategies depicted in the book, asking your child to think about which strategies might work for them in stressful situations.
Highlight the role of friends and support systems in overcoming difficulties, encouraging your child to share personal experiences of support and friendship.
Acknowledge any personal growth they observe in Maggie, encouraging them to reflect on their own growth and development over time.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Embracing Change
Explanation: The protagonist, Maggie, learns to navigate new challenges in middle school with resilience, showing how to adapt to changing environments.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by learning to accept and adapt to changes in their own lives, such as moving to a new school or dealing with family changes.
Example Lesson: Understanding and Managing Emotions
Explanation: Maggie grapples with anxiety and learns coping strategies throughout her journey, effectively illustrating emotional management.
Real-World Application: This lesson helps children recognize their emotions and find healthy ways to express and manage them, such as talking to a trusted adult or practicing mindfulness.
Example Lesson: Importance of Friendship
Explanation: The story highlights how Maggie’s friends support her through her anxieties, underlining the importance of friendship and social support.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to foster strong, supportive friendships and understand how being a good friend can positively impact others’ lives.
Example Lesson: Empathy and Understanding
Explanation: Maggie learns to see things from others' perspectives, which helps her navigate her relationships better.
Real-World Application: Kids can use this lesson to enhance their interpersonal skills by practicing empathy and understanding in their interactions with peers and family members.
Example Lesson: Overcoming Obstacles
Explanation: Through determination and support, Maggie shows that challenges can be overcome, teaching resilience and perseverance.
Real-World Application: This can inspire children to tackle their own obstacles, whether they are academic challenges or personal hurdles, with perseverance and determination.