From the moment Anna and Anna met at Auburn University and realized they had so much in common, they HAD to call each other “twin.” Many people celebrate that people are all the same, but the twins respectfully disagree- which is why this duo dubbed themselves as the Almost Twins. This “almost” signifies the beautiful difference in not only someone with Down syndrome and their typical peers but each and every one of us. We all have something unique to celebrate. Take a look around- maybe you have an almost twin too!
Come join the Almost Twins on their friendship journey! Discover why the Annas are stronger together, and how they help and encourage each other every day.
Discussion Questions
Before Reading
- What do you think it means to be a twin?
- Can two people be almost twins without actually being related? How?
- What makes someone a good friend?
During or After Reading
- Why do the girls in the story think they are “almost twins”?
- How are the two girls alike?
- How are they different?
- Why is it important to notice both similarities and differences in our friends?
- How do the girls show that they care about each other?
- What is your favorite thing the girls do together in the story?
- How do the characters make each other feel included and valued?
- Have you ever had a friend who was different from you? What made your friendship special?
- What lesson do you think the author wants readers to learn?
- Why is it okay for friends to enjoy different things?
Deeper Thinking Questions
- Would the girls still be friends if they weren’t so similar? Why or why not?
- How can our differences make friendships stronger?
- What can we learn from people who are different from us?
- If you met the characters, what would you want to ask them?
- How can we help everyone feel like they belong in our classroom or school?
Activity
Check out the story of how Anna and Anna became friends here: Anna and Anna
Venn Diagram: Compare yourself and a friend. Write things that are different about each of you on the outside circles and things you have in common in the middle. Discuss how your similarities and differences help make your friendship special.