Amazing Grace

What do our readers think of Amazing Grace? (Generated from the text of reviews of the book)

Children respond warmly to Grace's imagination, acting and determination, and they enjoy the encouraging message that she can follow her dreams. The story also prompts some children to ask questions about why her classmates make unfair comments, so they may benefit from talking about these moments with an adult.

What does the Pageticker team say about Amazing Grace?

A lively, empowering story about imagination, confidence and challenging unfair ideas about race and gender. Grace's love of acting makes the message engaging for young children, while the hurtful comments from her classmates provide a useful starting point for conversations about prejudice, kindness and inclusion.

Genres

What is Amazing Grace about?

Grace adores acting out stories. When her class plans a production of Peter Pan, she dreams of playing the lead role. However, her classmates insist that Peter is a boy and not black. Encouraged by her mother and grandmother, Grace auditions and demonstrates that she can be anything she sets her mind to.

About the author

Mary Hoffman is a much-loved British author who has written over 100 books for children and young people. She is best known for her fantasy series 'Stravaganza' and the popular picture book 'Amazing Grace'. Mary enjoys exploring different cultures and magical worlds in her stories, inspiring children everywhere to love reading and use their imagination.

Discussion ideas around Amazing Grace

Grace's imagination: What do you think Grace enjoys most about acting out stories, and how does her imagination help her?

Being told ‘you can't’: How might Grace feel when her classmates say she cannot play Peter Pan, and what helps her feel confident again?

Fairness and stereotypes: Why are Grace's classmates' ideas about who can play Peter Pan unfair, and where might children hear similar ideas in real life?

Support from family: How do Grace's mother and grandmother encourage her, and who helps you when you are trying something difficult?

Playing a part: If you could act as any character from a story, who would you choose and what would make you right for the part?