A Book To Help With Bad Grades | Literary Remedies

Anonymous writes:

I’m on summer break right now, but during the school year, I always, always struggle with bad/disappointing grades, so I’d love to read a book that can comfort me about my problems with grades!

Dear Anonymous,

I understand the feeling of disappointment when something you’ve worked hard for doesn’t pay off, as well as the pressure to do well in school. In our society, we are constantly being told that school is extremely important and that getting good grades is a sign of being accomplished as a person. Now, as a teacher-in-training, I would be the last person to tell you that school is not important, but you must remember that how well you do at this particular kind of learning does not determine your value in any way.

This doesn’t mean you’re not allowed to feel shitty after getting a bad grade, though. It is important to feel our feelings. As long as we also brush the dust off our knees and get up off the ground afterwards; which brings us to your book recommendation—

You asked for a book to comfort you, so I have chosen one of the sweetest books I know. Ballet Shoes by Noel Streatfeild. In this book three orphans, Pauline, Petrova and Posy, become professional ballet dancers to help with the household expenses when their adopted family falls on hard times. It is a story about working hard to get where you want to be, accepting that what you are good at and what you love doing may not line up, and about what to do when you want to take a different path altogether. I’m sure that at least one of these girls’ storylines will help you overcome any bad grades and keep an eye on what is important to you, whether that is academic achievement or something else entirely. And even if that doesn’t work, it will fill you with cosy feelings.

I wish you the best of luck in the new semester! ❤

---

Do you have a problem that you would like to be recommended a novel or a poem for? Find more information & the request form here.

Advertisement