Spin with Me
on Goodreads (907)
What’s inside...
From the author of the critically acclaimed Gracefully Grayson comes a thoughtful and sensitive middle-grade novel about non-binary identity and first love, Ami Polonsky's Spin with Me. In this elegant dual narrative, Essie is a thirteen-year-old girl feeling glum about starting a new school after her professor dad takes a temporary teaching position in a different town. She has 110 days here and can't wait for them to end. Then she meets Ollie, who is nonbinary. Ollie has beautiful blue eyes and a confident smile. Soon, Essie isn't counting down the days until she can leave so much as she's dreading when her time with Ollie will come to an end. Meanwhile, Ollie is experiencing a crush of their own . . . on Essie. As Ollie struggles to balance their passion for queer advocacy with their other interests, they slowly find themselves falling for a girl whose stay is about to come to an end. Can the two unwind their merry-go-round of feelings before it's too late?
Age
8-12
Length
336 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How did Essie and Ollie's friendship change over the course of the story, and what do you think brought those changes?
What are some ways that Essie and Ollie showed they cared for each other, even when they disagreed?
How do you think Essie felt when she moved to a new place, and what can we do to make new friends feel welcome?
Why is it important to listen and understand other people's perspectives, like how Ollie tried to understand Essie?
If you were in the story, what would you have done differently and why?
Tip: Role play these questions
Before starting each chapter, ask your child to predict what might happen next and why they think that.
Encourage your child to relate their personal experiences to those of Essie and Ollie, enhancing empathy and understanding.
After reading, ask your child which character they felt most connected to and why, facilitating deeper emotional connections.
Highlight the importance of diverse friendships like that of Essie and Ollie’s—discuss how these relationships can be enriching.
Create a warm, encouraging environment for conversation by praising your child’s responses and gently guiding the discussion with follow-up questions.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Empathy
Explanation: In 'Spin with Me,' the characters demonstrate empathy by understanding and sharing each other's feelings, fostering connections across diverse experiences.
Real-World Application: Children can use empathy to better understand their friends' emotions and perspectives, promoting harmonious interactions at school and in the playground.
Example Lesson: Acceptance
Explanation: The book highlights the importance of accepting others as they are, showcasing characters who embrace diverse identities and orientations without judgment.
Real-World Application: Kids can learn to celebrate differences and inclusivity in their classroom and community, helping to create a supportive environment for everyone.
Example Lesson: Courage
Explanation: Characters in 'Spin with Me' display courage by expressing their true selves and confronting societal expectations, inspiring readers to be authentic.
Real-World Application: This lesson encourages children to bravely share their unique interests and opinions with others, even when they feel different or unsure.
Example Lesson: Friendship
Explanation: The story explores the deepening of friendships through mutual support and understanding, teaching the value of building strong, supportive relationships.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to nurture their friendships through empathy, acceptance, and honesty, enriching their social experiences and emotional wellbeing.