Description:

On the Bright Side by Anna Sortino is a novel about Ellie, a girl who loses her vision and must adjust to a new way of experiencing the world. As she navigates changes at school, friendships, and her own feelings about her disability, Ellie discovers new strengths and learns that asking for help is part of being independent. The story offers a thoughtful portrayal of disability, self-advocacy, and resilience while celebrating friendship, family, identity, and finding hope during times of change. 

Discussion Questions:

• What are some examples of characters making assumptions about each other? How do those assumptions change? 
• What are some ways Ellie and Jackson are alike and different, and how do they each impact the journeys they’re both individually on? 
• The book explores what it means to build community, are you a part of a community? What kind of community would you like to build for yourselves and others?