Absolutely Almost



Last updated Thursday, September 1, 2022

Author: Lisa Graff
Date of Publication: 2014
ISBN: 0399164057
Grade Level: 5th    (GLCs: Click here for grade level guidelines.)
Date(s) Used: Sep. 2022

Synopsis: Albie has never been the smartest kid in his class. He has never been the tallest. Or the best at gym. Or the greatest artist. Or the most musical. In fact, Albie has a long list of the things he's not very good at. But then Albie gets a new babysitter, Calista, who helps him figure out all of the things he is good at and how he can take pride in himself.

This novel explores its theme in a realistic contemporary world where kids will easily be able to relate their own struggles to Albie's.

Discussion topics for before reading:
•  What are some of the things you are excited about getting to do in school this year in 5th grade?
•  What are some things about going to school that make you nervous?

Vocabulary:

•  foresight: the ability to predict the future
•  borough: New York City is divided into 5 districts called boroughs
•  bodega: a small grocery store
•  guffaw: a loud hearty laugh
•  putrid: disgusting, very unpleasant

Discussion topics for during/after reading:
•  Can you describe a time when you were “almost” something?
•  School is hard for Albie. He tries and tries but learning doesn’t come easy. He talks about how his mind turns fuzzy. Do you ever feel that way about any of your subjects?
•  Why do you think Albie’s best friend does not want to be on a reality show with his family? What are some positive and negative things about being filmed for a reality show?
•  Erlan’s older sister tells them that lunchtime at school is the hardest part of the day. What do you think about this? How do you decide who to sit with and how to find out what’s cool?

Craft ideas:
•  Grandparents Day is Sunday, September 11th. Make a greeting card. (Note: Grandparents Days was established by President Jimmy Carter in 1978 to acknowledge the special relationship between grandparents and their grandchildren)
•  Do you love donuts like Albie does? Make your own donut plushie with a sock. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FiDxOS5QFAg
•  Albie’s nanny Calista helps him to find things that he is good at. He realizes that he is good at being a tour guide, being kind, being a great friend, and noticing things that nobody else does. What special things are you good at?
Self-Esteem Bucket:https://www.thetherapistparent.com/post/self-esteem-bucket
My Unique Strengths Collage: https://www.kitchentableclassroom.com/shop-ktc/growing-a-growth-mindset/

Check our craft ideas on Pinterest!
https://www.pinterest.com/readingtokids/september-2022-back-to-school-fun/

*Note: These craft ideas are just suggestions. You can use them, but you don't have to use them. You can expand upon them, or add your own twist. Remember, though, that the focus of your time should not be on the development and execution of a craft; the focus should be on the read-aloud and the enjoyment of the book!