My So-Called Family
What’s inside...
In 'My So-Called Family' by Gia Gordon, the story follows Ash, a middle schooler navigating life in foster care. Tasked with creating a family tree for a school assignment, Ash faces the challenge of defining what family means to her. She has been shuffled between foster homes and currently lives with Gladys, feeling safest when hidden away in her favorite tree, sketching. As tensions rise with Gladys' son, Jordan, Ash struggles with trust and must learn to advocate for herself and recognize her found family. This moving debut novel explores the themes of self-advocacy and the essence of family, resonating with fans of 'Fish in a Tree' and 'Counting by 7s'.
Age
8-12
Length
272 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Leah Hoffman-Roth
Justine
Discussion points
How do you think Leah feels about discovering her family's history?
What does family mean to you, and how does it compare to Leah's definition?
How do Leah's experiences with her newfound siblings change her perspective on family?
What would you do if you were in Leah’s situation?
How do the different characters in the book show support and understanding towards each other?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start by sharing your own understanding of family and its importance. Encourage your child to express their feelings and thoughts about the book by relating it to their personal experiences. Validate their feelings and provide comfort if the topics bring up sensitive emotions. Highlight how Leah’s journey can teach us about resilience and acceptance in diverse family structures.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Importance of Family
Explanation: The story underlines the significance of family, not just by blood but through the bonds we create. The protagonist learns to appreciate her unconventional family structure.
Real-World Application: This lesson teaches children to value and respect various family dynamics, promoting inclusivity and understanding among peers with different family backgrounds.
Example Lesson: Self-Identity
Explanation: The protagonist’s journey towards discovering her identity encourages young readers to explore and embrace their own uniqueness.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to be confident in their individuality and express themselves authentically in school and other social environments.
Example Lesson: Resilience
Explanation: Facing challenges regarding her family's acceptance in society, the protagonist shows resilience, teaching children the power of perseverance.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to remain steadfast and positive in the face of their own personal challenges, whether they be at home or in school.
Example Lesson: Empathy
Explanation: The protagonist's experiences foster a deep sense of empathy, showing the importance of understanding others' feelings and perspectives.
Real-World Application: Children learn to be empathetic towards their classmates and friends, fostering a supportive and caring community environment.