MMGM: Not Every Spark Needs a Stage — A Review of Absolutely, Almost

 

When I was a special education teacher, I would try to identify the hidden talents of my students. Some students, for example, who were struggling to read, might be brilliant artists or know all about the solar system.

One day, I asked a student, who was a very talented artist, if she wanted to make art when she grew up, and she said, “No, I just want to draw.”

It really hit me. Why are we in such a hurry as parents or teachers to rush kids into deciding what they want to do for work? Or to turn every flash of interest into a career.

I love to play the piano just for fun. I will never be a professional musician, but that’s okay too.

Whether you're a homeschool parent or a classroom one, I think we've all had that moment of wondering — are we pushing too hard? Or should we just let them be? 

Today I’m featuring a book about a boy who just wants to be a kid. I hope you’ll enjoy meeting Albie in Absolutely Almost by Lisa Graff as much as I did.

Summary

Albie has always been an almost.

He’s almost good at tetherball.

He’s almost smart enough to pass his spelling test. 

And now that Albie is starting a brand-new school for fifth grade, he’s never felt more certain that almost simply isn’t good enough. With everyone around him expecting him to be one thing or another, how is an almost like Albie ever supposed to figure out who he wants to be? (from the front cover) 

 

Why This Story Stays With Me:

1.    From page one, I related to Albie. The family pressure to be involved in sports or activities, to get good grades, is real. Although I loved school and was good at it, I so related to Albie just wanting to eat donuts sometimes. 

2.    His relationship with Calista, his babysitter. Calista gives Albie acceptance for who he is. She lets him pick his own Halloween costume, just be a kid, and encourages his art. She knows that some days are just hard, but ice cream helps.

3.    Mr. Clifton, best math teacher ever! I love stories, like Wednesday Wars, where teachers provide much needed encouragement. Mr. Clifton keeps his “F” from fourth grade framed on his wall to remind himself that 

“You can’t get where you’re going without being where you’ve been” (p. 84) 

4.    The realities of reality TV. A fun subplot was Albie’s best friend Erlan’s family's foray into reality television.  Albie needs to sign a waiver to just go to his friend's birthday party! It gave a nice counterpoint to Albie’s journey to accept himself.

5.    Bullying handled with care. Darren and the “cool rules” were portrayed realistically. What I loved: Darren wasn’t a cardboard character, and Albie wasn’t a complete victim. His growth in learning to be okay with not being cool was a lovely journey.

Reading Guide: This book would appeal to 5th grade and up for independent reading, but might appeal to younger students as a read-aloud. It would make a great book for discussing finding your passions (even if they just end up as hobbies) or social pressure/bullying. 

 

Max’s take (out of a 5-bone scale)

Max, the Reading Dog

 

 

 

 

 

 🦴🦴🦴

No dogs! But I really liked reading about all the donuts and ice cream. If only my family would let me eat as much as Albie. I’m usually stuck with just dog cookies. Sigh!
 

 

Interesting Note: I got to hear Lisa Graff speak at a SCBWI conference a few years ago when she was still an editor. One piece of advice stuck with me: Don’t show your manuscript to critique partners until you’ve taken it as far as it can go. I have found I always get better feedback when I follow her advice.

Notes from the Front Porch:

Do you or your child ever feel like you’re just “almost” because you don’t have a spectacular talent?

Is there a book that helped you or your child feel understood?

  

Check out other fabulous middle grades at Always in the Middle!  

  

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