About This Book
I Can Jump Puddles is the poignant and inspiring autobiography of Alan Marshall, recounting his childhood in rural Victoria, Australia, around the turn of the 20th century. The narrative centers on his experience contracting polio soon after starting school and the subsequent physical and social obstacles he faced. Marshall's story is a powerful testament to resilience, self-acceptance, and the human spirit, as he learns to adapt and thrive despite his debilitating disease and the prejudice he encounters, even later as an adult seeking work. It's an excellent book for discussing disability, empathy, historical context, and the importance of perseverance with children aged 4-11.
illness
discrimination
peril_danger
Discussion Prompts
1
What challenges did Alan face because of his polio? How did he overcome them?
2
How did other people treat Alan, and how did that make him feel? What could they have done differently?
3
What does it mean to be resilient? Can you think of a time you had to be resilient?
4
What are some things Alan loved to do? How did he find ways to keep doing them even with his disability?
5
If you met Alan, what would you say to him or ask him?
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