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“Writing fiction is like tiptoeing past watchful dragons,” says the author in this WBZ (Boston) radio interview. “Embedding a message in a cute story helps readers consider topics that are usually too threatening otherwise.” Click here [link] to listen to her account of how personal and family challenges have shaped her award-winning Coping Series.
Here are topics that Jeanne Gehret is ready to discuss. Be sure to see the Discussion Starters in the back of each book for more ideas!
On The Don’t-give-up Kid:
- How does a learning disability compare and contrast with mental retardation?
- Is there medicine to help with learning disabilities?
- How common is it for learning disabilities to occur in the same children as depression and ADD?
- How prevalent are learning disabilities?
- Are any of the characters in this book similar to people that you know?
- How are learning disabilities identified?
- What can parents do at home to help their children with learning disabilities?
- How do parents react when they learn that their children have learning disabilities?
- How should parents discuss learning disabilities with a child who has this problem?
- What are the different types of learning disabilities?
- What examples can you give of self-care for parents who have children with special needs? Why is self-care important?
- How can an understanding of the Multiple Intelligences theory help parents to raise children with learning disabilities?
On Eagle Eyes and Houdini’s Gift:
- How can ADD be identified in children? What is the difference between ADD and ADHD?
- How is a learning disability different from ADD?
- Are there medications to help with ADD?
- In Eagle Eyes, you mention “pills,” “medicine,” and “vitamins.” Are you in favor of drugging children who have ADD?
- How can an understanding of the Theory of Multiple Intelligences help parents raise a child with ADD or ADHD?
- Are there special issues that affect children whose siblings have ADD? What can parents do to help the child without ADD?
- How can time outdoors or with animals help a child with ADD?
- How can parents help children with ADD get to sleep?
- What can be done to help children with ADD do better in school?
- How can parents help children with ADD stay organized?
- Why did you devote a whole book (Houdini’s Gift) to helping children follow through on responsibilities?
- Parents often find that it’s easier to do tasks themselves rather than teach their children to do them. Why do you advocate giving chores to children?
- What are important factors to consider when choosing a family pet?
On the biography of Susan B. Anthony:
- How is your professional background influenced by the work of Susan B. Anthony?
- How did your living in Ms. Anthony’s hometown affect the research and writing of this book?
- How do you “get into character” when you portray Ms. Anthony in costume?
On Being an Author and Publisher:
- Why did you decide to re-issue The Don’t-give-up Kid and Eagle Eyes after almost 20 years? How are these new editions better?
- Did you offer suggestions to the illustrator or just give him the manuscript?
- What is The Barton Breakfast Club, whom you thanked on the copyright page of The Don’t-give-up Kid?
- Have you ever tried “The Morning Song” in Eagle Eyes with real kids?
- Tell us about the writing group that you thanked on the first page of Eagle Eyes.
- What are some of the challenges and joys of being an independent publisher?
- Do you have any more projects in mind?
- What do you like to do when you’re not writing or publishing?
- Do you personally have ADD or learning disabilities?
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