About This Book
This heartwarming chapter book introduces Alice McKinley, an eleven-year-old girl navigating the awkwardness of pre-teen life without her mother. Feeling lost and embarrassed by everything, Alice believes she needs a flawless female role model to guide her. When she's placed in the class of the 'homely' Mrs. Plotkin instead of the beautiful Miss Cole, Alice is initially disappointed. Through a journal assignment she calls 'The Agony of Alice,' and unexpected encounters with her teachers and extended family, Alice learns valuable lessons about inner beauty, self-acceptance, and finding wisdom in surprising places. It's a gentle story about identity, grief, and the journey of growing up.
Eleven-year-old, motherless Alice decides she needs a gorgeous role model who does everything right; and when placed in homely Mrs. Plotkins's class she is greatly disappointed until she discovers it's what people are inside that counts.
Character Death
mental_health_themes
Discussion Prompts
1
Alice feels embarrassed by many things. What are some things that make you feel embarrassed, and how do you handle those feelings?
2
Alice is looking for a role model. What qualities do you think make a good role model, and who are some people you look up to?
3
At first, Alice judges Mrs. Plotkin by her appearance. How does Alice's opinion of Mrs. Plotkin change, and what does this teach us about judging others?
4
Alice keeps a journal called 'The Agony of Alice.' Do you think writing down your thoughts and feelings can help you understand them better? Why or why not?
5
The book suggests that true wisdom comes from within and from unexpected places. What 'important discoveries' do you think Alice makes about herself and the world?
External Reviews
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