You Will Be Okay
on Goodreads (28)
What’s inside...
The book 'You Will Be Okay' by Julie Stokes OBE, offers a practical and comforting guide for children navigating grief after the loss of a loved one. As a clinical psychologist and founder of the childhood bereavement charity Winston's Wish, Stokes shares case studies and provides advice on coping, remembering, and self-care. The guide emphasizes the normalcy of fluctuating strong emotions and assures children that there is no right or wrong way to grieve, encouraging them to find their own path to build strength and resilience.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
9-11
Length
224 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think the main character felt when they faced a challenge?
Can you remember a time when you felt similar to the character? What helped you feel better?
Why do you think it is important to know that everything will be okay?
How did the character's friends or family help them in the story? How do we help each other in our family?
What is one thing you would tell the main character if you could talk to them?
Tip: Role play these questions
Before starting the book, ask your child what they think 'being okay' means. This will give you insight into their perspective and set the stage for deeper discussion.
Pause at pivotal moments in the story to ask your child how they think the character is feeling. This helps develop empathy and emotional vocabulary.
After reading, relate the story to your child's personal experiences. This creates a connection between the book and their life, making the message more impactful.
Encourage your child to draw a picture or write a short story about a time they overcame a difficulty, reinforcing the book’s theme through creative expression.
Finish your discussion with a positive affirmation, reminding your child that they are strong and can handle tough situations, just like the character in the book.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Resilience
Explanation: The protagonist of 'You Will Be Okay' faces various challenges but learns to overcome them with courage and determination.
Real-World Application: Children reading this book will learn to stay strong and keep pushing forward despite difficulties, whether it's coping with a bad day at school or handling a tough situation at home.
Example Lesson: Emotional Expression
Explanation: The book teaches children that it's okay to express their feelings, whether they're happy or sad, and that acknowledging their emotions is healthy.
Real-World Application: This lesson can help children understand the importance of talking about their feelings with parents, teachers, or friends, which can lead to better emotional management.
Example Lesson: Empathy
Explanation: Through the character's interactions with others who are also struggling, the story encourages empathy and understanding towards other people's feelings and situations.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by learning to recognize when someone else is upset or needs help and offering kindness and support in return.
Example Lesson: Problem-Solving
Explanation: The book portrays the protagonist solving problems that arise, suggesting different strategies like seeking help from adults or thinking calmly about a solution.
Real-World Application: This can motivate children to apply thoughtful approaches to problem-solving in their interactions with siblings, school tasks, or during playtime.
Example Lesson: Optimism
Explanation: The recurring theme in the book is positive thinking and maintaining hope regardless of circumstances.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to adopt a positive outlook in everyday life which can improve their overall mental health and resilience to stress.