The Missing Piece
What’s inside...
The book 'The Missing Piece' explains the emotional aspects of autism in a way that children can relate to, while also shedding light on the discrimination faced by the disabled. With a 1 in 110 chance of being born with autism, compared to a 1 in 5,000 chance of playing for the NFL, the book tackles an important healthcare issue that still lacks a cure. It encourages readers to spread awareness and educate their loved ones about autism.
Age
8-12
Length
24 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How do you think the main character felt when they couldn't find their missing piece?
What do you think the missing piece represents in the story?
Can you think of a time when you felt like something was missing? What was it and how did you feel?
Why do you think the character kept searching for the missing piece?
How did the story change when the missing piece was found?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their feelings about the character’s journey, relating it to their own experiences of loss or happiness.
Discuss the symbolism of the 'missing piece' and what it might mean in different scenarios, fostering critical thinking.
Ask your child to imagine alternative endings to the story, enhancing their creativity and engagement with the narrative.
Highlight the emotions depicted in the book’s illustrations to help your child recognize and articulate their own emotions.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Patience and perseverance
Explanation: The story unfolds as the characters search persistently for the missing piece, demonstrating the importance of patience and persistent effort in overcoming challenges.
Real-World Application: Children learn the value of not giving up easily, whether in their studies, sports, or personal pursuits, and the importance of steady efforts to achieve their goals.
Example Lesson: Self-discovery and acceptance
Explanation: Throughout the book, the protagonist embarks on a journey that leads to self-discovery and ultimately, accepting oneself as complete, even with imperfections.
Real-World Application: This lesson teaches children to appreciate and accept themselves as they are and understand that everyone has unique qualities that make them special.
Example Lesson: The importance of teamwork
Explanation: The characters in the book come together to solve the problem of the missing piece, highlighting how collaboration can lead to success.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this idea by working together with peers in school projects or in playing sports, learning that teamwork often leads to better outcomes than working alone.
Example Lesson: Problem-solving skills
Explanation: As the characters tackle the challenge of the missing piece, they demonstrate strategic thinking and problem-solving throughout the story.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to think critically and creatively when faced with problems, both in academic settings and in everyday situations.
Example Lesson: Embracing change
Explanation: The protagonists in the book learn to adapt to new situations as they deal with the 'missing piece', which teaches flexibility and resilience.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of being flexible and adapting to changes, whether it's moving to a new school, dealing with a new family member, or any other changes in their life.