Sam I Am
on Goodreads (46)
What’s inside...
Twelve-year-old Sam Goodman is the son of a Jewish father and Christian mother. During the Hanukkah and Christmas holidays, Sam struggles to understand religion and its role in his family's life. When his interfaith parents can't figure out how to celebrate the holidays, leading to a conflict after the family's Hanukkah bush/Christmas tree is knocked over, Sam turns to God for answers. Throughout the season, Sam navigates his identity and seeks solutions while observing his best friend and secret crush finding their own paths.
Age
9-12
Length
256 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Samantha 'Sam' Bloom
Discussion points
Why do you think Sam insists on being called 'Sam I Am'?
How do you feel about the way Sam stands up for his identity? What would you do in his place?
What are some ways that Sam shows he is unique and proud of who he is?
How do the other characters respond to Sam's choices and how does that affect him?
If you could ask Sam one question about his adventures, what would it be?
Tip: Role play these questions
While discussing the book, emphasize the importance of individuality and expressing oneself honestly, relating it to real-life scenarios your child might encounter.
Encourage your child to think about times they had to stand up for something they believed in or when they felt different from others, drawing parallels to Sam’s experiences.
Ask your child to imagine alternative endings or scenarios in the book, boosting their creative thinking and engagement with the story.
Validate your child's feelings and thoughts as they answer questions, ensuring they feel heard and appreciated in the conversation.
Use expressive reading techniques, changing your tone and pace when reading Sam's lines, to highlight his emotions and decisions, making the discussion more lively and relatable.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Acceptance of Differences
Explanation: Sam I Am portrays characters who are initially resistant to trying new things, but learn to embrace differences in tastes and preferences.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by being open to making friends with peers who might seem different and trying new activities or foods that they are not familiar with.
Example Lesson: Persistence
Explanation: The character Sam demonstrates persistence by continuously offering green eggs and ham in various scenarios despite repeated rejections.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the importance of persistence in achieving goals, whether it's mastering a new skill or convincing peers or family members to participate in an activity.
Example Lesson: Exploration and Discovery
Explanation: The story encourages trying new things and shows that such exploration can lead to pleasant surprises.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to explore new subjects, engage in different sports or arts, and be open to exploring the world around them to enrich their experiences and knowledge.
Example Lesson: Influence Through Kindness
Explanation: Sam persuades his friend not through force, but through gentle insistence and kindness, ultimately leading to a change of heart.
Real-World Application: This can teach children that influencing others can be effectively achieved through kindness and understanding rather than coercion or manipulation.
Example Lesson: Positive Attitude
Explanation: Sam maintains a positive and cheerful disposition throughout the book, even when faced with rejection.
Real-World Application: This can help children understand the importance of maintaining a positive outlook in the face of challenges or setbacks in daily life.