Masterpiece by Alexandra Hoffman is an award-winning children’s book about Samuel, a boy on the autism spectrum, who learns to see his unique perspective as a strength when his art project, created entirely in shades of blue, is praised as a “masterpiece” by his teacher. The book teaches lessons of empathy, inclusion, and acceptance as his classmates learn to appreciate his different way of seeing the world, which is beautifully illustrated with sensory accommodations like noise-cancelling headphone
Discussion Questions
- What does the title Masterpiece mean to you after reading the story? Do you think it refers to a person, an action, or something else?
- How do the characters show kindness or inclusion throughout the book?
- Which moment stood out to you the most and why?
- Have you ever felt like you didn’t belong or were misunderstood? How did you handle it, and how does that connect to the story?
- What role does creativity or self-expression play in the book?
- Why is it important for people to express themselves in their own way?
- How do the characters learn from one another?
- What does this teach us about listening and understanding others?
- What message do you think the author wants readers to take away from the story? How can we apply that message in our everyday lives?
- What makes someone (or something) a “masterpiece”?
- Do you think everyone can be considered a masterpiece? Why or why not?
- If you could add one more scene to the story, what would it be?
Activity:
“I Am a Masterpiece” Art Project
What to do:
- Have each student or family member create a self-portrait using any materials (crayons, collage, paint, or mixed media).
- Around their artwork, write or share words that describe what makes them unique (kind, funny, brave, creative, etc.).
Discussion tie-in:
- Talk about how everyone is different—and how those differences make each person a “masterpiece.”
- Connect back to how the characters show individuality and self-expression.