For the child who feels different or struggles with school, this heartwarming story offers a reassuring message about finding understanding and believing in yourself.
Parents might reach for this book when their child feels behind in school, struggles with reading, or believes they are not as smart as their classmates. Sue Ellen is the gentle, hopeful story of a young girl from a poor, large family who feels lost and lonely in a new school. Her inability to read makes her feel ashamed, but with the patient help of a caring teacher, she discovers the reason for her struggles and begins to blossom. The book sensitively explores themes of self-doubt, the anxiety of being different, and the quiet triumph of perseverance. It’s a wonderful choice for normalizing learning challenges and showing how one understanding adult can change a child's entire world, making it a powerful tool for empathy and self-acceptance.
Published in 1969. Depictions of school and family life may feel dated to modern readers.
Sensitive Topics
The book directly addresses learning difficulties and the associated feelings of shame and of being "dumb." It also touches on socioeconomic differences, as Sue Ellen's family is poor compared to her classmates. The approach is secular and direct. The resolution is very hopeful and positive, emphasizing the power of diagnosis and adult support.
Ideal Reader
An 8 to 10-year-old child who is struggling with reading, has been recently diagnosed with a learning difference (like dyslexia or vision issues), or feels academically behind their peers. Also for a child who feels socially isolated due to feeling "different."
Parent Prep
The book was written in 1969. Parents should preview for language or social norms that feel dated (e.g., descriptions of poverty, the school environment). The core emotional story is timeless, but the setting is of its era. No specific scenes are alarming, but the context might need a brief explanation. A parent sees their child avoiding homework, saying "I can't do it" or "I'm dumb," or withdrawing socially at school. The child might be showing signs of school-related anxiety or has just received a diagnosis for a learning challenge.
Age Experience
A younger reader (8-9) will connect directly with Sue Ellen's fear and the simple joy of her breakthrough. An older reader (10-12) might also appreciate the role of the teacher and begin to understand the systemic issues of poverty and access to resources (like eye exams) more deeply.
What Makes It Special
Unlike many contemporary books focused on a specific diagnosis like ADHD, this book's power lies in its focus on the universal *feeling* of being behind and the simple, tangible solution (glasses). Its quiet, gentle tone and classic feel make it less about a specific "issue" and more about the emotional experience of a child's academic struggle and the profound impact of a single caring teacher.
Read plot summary
Sue Ellen, a girl from a large, low-income family, is bussed to a new school where she feels inadequate and isolated. Her primary struggle is an inability to read, leading to shame and anxiety. A perceptive and compassionate teacher, Miss Kelly, works with her one-on-one, eventually realizing Sue Ellen has a vision problem. After getting glasses, Sue Ellen's world opens up. She begins to learn, makes a friend, and gains the self-confidence she lacked.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.
Discussion Prompts
1
Miss Kelly noticed Sue Ellen was having trouble, even when Sue Ellen tried to hide it. What are some of the clues that helped Miss Kelly understand? Why was it hard for Sue Ellen to ask for help?
2
Before she got her glasses, Sue Ellen thought she just wasn't smart enough to read. Have you ever felt that way about something difficult? How did her feelings change after she could see the words clearly?
3
At the beginning of the story, Sue Ellen doesn't have any friends at her new school. How does making friends with Christina change her experience at school?
4
Sue Ellen's family is very large and doesn't have a lot of money. How does this affect her life at home and at school? Does she seem to have a happy family life despite this?
