Small Town Pride
on Goodreads (2,112)
What’s inside...
From acclaimed author Phil Stamper comes a poignant coming-of-age, contemporary middle grade debut novel about finding your place, using your voice, and the true meaning of pride. The story follows Jake, the first openly gay kid at his school in Barton Springs, Ohio. His family and friends are supportive, but not everyone in town is accepting. When Jake's dad hangs a large pride flag, it leads to complaints and the idea of a pride parade, which Jake embraces. Facing opposition from the town council and the mayor, Jake and his friends must navigate the challenges of bringing Pride to Barton Springs, all while dealing with the mayor's potentially duplicitous son, Brett.
Age
8-12
Length
262 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Jake
Discussion points
What do you think are some of the ways that Jake shows pride in his small town?
How do you feel about the way Jake handles challenges in the story?
Can you think of a time when you had to stand up for something you believe in, like Jake does?
What do you think makes a community like Jake's strong and supportive?
How do you think the story would change if it was set in a big city instead of a small town?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start by sharing your own thoughts on community and pride, setting a comfortable tone for an open conversation.
Praise your child for their insights and encourage them to think deeply about the themes of pride and resilience.
Connect the story to your child's experiences by discussing similar challenges they’ve faced or witnessed.
Discuss the diversity and uniqueness of different communities, underlining the importance of acceptance and support.
Use examples from the book to highlight how small actions can make a big impact in a community.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Acceptance of diversity
Explanation: In 'Small Town Pride', the protagonist, Jake, learns to embrace and celebrate the diversity in his small town as he organizes their first-ever Pride festival.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to appreciate and respect the varied backgrounds and identities of people in their own communities.
Example Lesson: Courage to stand up for oneself and others
Explanation: Jake faces challenges and opposition but remains steadfast in his mission to create a more inclusive community, showcasing bravery and resilience.
Real-World Application: This story can inspire children to be assertive in defending their beliefs and supporting friends and peers who may be marginalized.
Example Lesson: Importance of community support
Explanation: Throughout the book, Jake experiences both support and resistance from his community, ultimately highlighting how communal support can lead to success in significant endeavors.
Real-World Application: Kids can be encouraged to participate in or initiate community projects, understanding the impact of cooperation and collective effort.
Example Lesson: Empathy and understanding
Explanation: As Jake interacts with different community members, he learns about their lives and perspectives, which helps him grow more empathetic and understanding.
Real-World Application: Children can be encouraged to listen to and learn from others' experiences and viewpoints to foster empathy.
Example Lesson: Resilience in the face of adversity
Explanation: Jake’s journey is not without its setbacks. However, his resilience in overcoming these challenges is a powerful aspect of the narrative.
Real-World Application: This can teach children the value of perseverance and resilience when facing their own challenges in life.