Over It: Getting Up and Moving On after Bad Stuff Happens
on Goodreads (22)
What’s inside...
Over It is a book that provides guidance and support for overcoming past hurts and disappointments through empathy, honesty, Scripture, and humor. It is written for both adults and teens, helping them move past their history and look toward their future. The book helps adults and teens alike to deal with small embarrassments, big losses, and deep betrayals, aiding in true recovery and teaching them to let God handle the grievances so that negative emotions do not control their life. With a potent combination of empathy, tough love, Scripture, and wit, the authors Hayley DiMarco and Michael DiMarco lead readers through true recovery, avoiding platitudes and giving real, actionable advice.
Age
13-18
Length
192 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How do you think the characters felt when they faced challenges, and what would you do in their situation?
What are some ways the characters in the story worked through their feelings? Can you think of a time you felt the same?
Why is it important to move on after something bad happens, and how can you apply this lesson in your own life?
What is one thing you learned from the characters' experiences that you can use to help others?
How can sharing your feelings with friends or family help you overcome difficult situations like the characters did?
Tip: Role play these questions
Begin discussions by sharing a personal story related to overcoming a difficulty to set a comfortable tone. Encourage your child to express their thoughts and emotions, and validate their feelings by actively listening. Relate the book's situations to real-life events in your child’s life to make the connection deeper and more meaningful. Foster empathy by asking how they would feel in the characters’ shoes. Reinforce the conversation by suggesting to draw or write about their own experiences similar to the story.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Resilience
Explanation: The book illustrates resilience through the protagonist's ability to recover from setbacks and continue moving forward.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to face their own challenges, whether it’s dealing with a bad grade or bullying, with a positive mindset and determination.
Example Lesson: Self-acceptance
Explanation: The protagonist learns to accept themselves despite their flaws and mistakes, emphasizing the importance of self-love.
Real-World Application: This can inspire children to embrace their own unique qualities and forgive themselves for errors, fostering a healthy self-image.
Example Lesson: Empathy
Explanation: Characters in the story show understanding and compassion towards each other's difficulties, teaching the value of empathy.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this by showing kindness and understanding to peers who are going through tough times.
Example Lesson: Problem-solving
Explanation: The book showcases the protagonist tackling problems creatively, highlighting the significance of critical thinking and resourcefulness.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to think critically and solve conflicts or issues they encounter in a constructive manner.
Example Lesson: Moving on
Explanation: The theme of the book revolves around overcoming hardships and not dwelling on the past, illustrating the importance of moving forward.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to let go of past disappointments or failures and focus on building a positive future.