Parents' Guide to

Extraordinary

By Tracy Moore, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 9+

Hopeful tale of girl's response to friend's brain damage.

Book Miriam Spitzer Franklin Friendship 2015
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A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this book.

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What's the Story?

Ever since Pansy's friend Anna got sick and suffered permanent brain damage, Pansy has been trying to make herself EXTRAORDINARY. If she can just fix the mistakes she made when they were friends and redo the promises she broke, maybe Anna's upcoming brain surgery will go well and she'll return to her old self. Even though parents say Anna will never be the same, Pansy believes if she tries hard enough, and is good enough, Anna will be well.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
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Kids say (2 ):

This poignant story about a girl's illness and brain damage offers a remarkable look at friendship, hope, and forgiveness. Pansy is hard on herself but doggedly optimistic in the face of serious challenges, and the lessons here about valuing friends, being an attentive and caring person, and accepting the difficult realties of our own mortality are thoughtful and bittersweet.

But the book isn't all heavy themes about growing up. Author Spitzer Franklin weaves in important messages about making new friends, standing up for the old ones, trying new things even when you're bad at them, and learning how to let go while still being there for your friend. It's a book about big things and little things all at once.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about books about serious medical conditions. Why do you think they're so popular?

  • What does Pansy learn about friendship?

  • Have you ever known someone who was very sick? How did you deal with it?

Book Details

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