Introduction
Absolutely Almost Summary By ByLisa Graff Lisa Graff’s Absolutely Almost is a poignant and heartfelt middle-grade novel that explores themes of self-acceptance, friendship, family dynamics, and personal growth. Written with sensitivity and humor, the novel offers a deep dive into the life of Albie, a twelve-year-old boy who struggles to find his place in the world. Albie’s journey towards understanding himself, and learning to deal with the challenges that life throws his way, is at the heart of the novel.Absolutely Almost Summary By Lisa Graff
The story is set in a suburban town and centers around Albie’s internal battles. From his difficulty in fitting in with his peers, to his complex relationship with his parents, Albie’s life seems full of obstacles that seem impossible to overcome. Yet, through his interactions with a diverse set of characters — including his perceptive, supportive nanny, his classmates, and his parents — Albie begins to understand the importance of self-acceptance, and that he doesn’t need to be “great” or “perfect” to be good enough.
At its core, Absolutely Almost is a coming-of-age story about a boy who is struggling to feel that he measures up in a world that often values perfection, success, and achievement. Graff’s novel skillfully explores how Albie comes to terms with his imperfections and learns that sometimes being “absolutely, almost” is good enough.Absolutely Almost Summary By Lisa Graff
Summary of the Novel
Absolutely Almost follows the life of Albie, a 12-year-old boy who has just started middle school. From the outset, Albie’s struggles are apparent — he finds it difficult to live up to the expectations set by his parents, teachers, and even his peers. Despite being bright, Albie feels inadequate because he doesn’t seem to excel in the areas that are typically valued, such as academics and sports. He’s also painfully aware of how different he is from his peers, particularly in his inability to be socially “cool” or talented.
Albie’s parents, although loving, are often preoccupied with their own lives and struggles. His father is highly focused on career success and tends to have high expectations for Albie, while his mother is distant and often seems disengaged. This lack of emotional support from his family leaves Albie feeling even more isolated. He is often frustrated with his inability to meet the expectations placed on him.
One of the few people Albie can rely on is his nanny, named Calista. Calista is patient and kind, offering Albie advice when he needs it most. Though she isn’t part of his family, she plays an instrumental role in helping Albie navigate his emotions and feel more confident in himself. In many ways, Calista serves as a maternal figure, giving Albie the guidance he so desperately needs.
Read more
As Albie struggles with his feelings of inadequacy, his experiences at school also reflect his insecurities. He isn’t part of the “in-crowd” and feels alienated from the other kids. His teachers, although well-meaning, don’t seem to understand that Albie’s difficulties in school are not a reflection of his intelligence, but rather his inability to meet the often rigid standards of success set by the educational system.Absolutely Almost Summary By Lisa Graff
Throughout the novel, Albie grapples with the pressure to be someone he’s not. He wishes he could be like his more popular, confident peers who seem to have it all together. But Albie is not like them — he is different, and this difference weighs heavily on him. His quest for self-acceptance becomes the central theme of the novel as he learns to deal with the reality that not everyone is meant to be extraordinary in the ways society deems important.Absolutely Almost Summary By Lisa Graff
As the story progresses, Albie begins to make small breakthroughs. He grows closer to Calista, who encourages him to explore his own interests and passions rather than trying to measure up to others. Albie also begins to develop a better understanding of his parents’ expectations and the reasons behind their behavior, leading to moments of reconciliation.Absolutely Almost Summary By Lisa Graff
One of the key turning points in the novel occurs when Albie is faced with a seemingly impossible task: a big project that requires him to work hard and focus. At first, Albie is overwhelmed and discouraged by the difficulty of the task, but through perseverance and with support from the people around him, he is able to complete the project to the best of his ability.Absolutely Almost Summary By Lisa Graff
In the end, Albie learns that he doesn’t need to be perfect or exceptional to feel valued. By accepting his imperfections, he begins to see that he is worthy of love and respect just as he is. Albie’s journey is one of self-discovery and acceptance, and the novel ends on a hopeful note, with Albie understanding that he is enough, “absolutely almost,” without having to be great at everything.
Themes in Absolutely Almost
1. Self-Acceptance
The central theme of Absolutely Almost is self-acceptance. Albie is a boy who, at the beginning of the novel, believes that he isn’t good enough because he doesn’t excel in the ways society expects him to. He feels inadequate because he isn’t academically brilliant or athletically talented. Throughout the novel, Albie’s journey revolves around learning to accept himself for who he is, not for what others think he should be.Absolutely Almost Summary By Lisa Graff
His relationship with Calista plays an important role in helping him understand that it’s okay to be imperfect. She encourages him to find his own strengths and to stop comparing himself to others. The novel conveys the powerful message that it’s okay to not be great at everything, and that being “absolutely almost” is enough. By the end of the novel, Albie comes to understand that self-worth is not defined by external achievements, but by accepting oneself.Absolutely Almost Summary By Lisa Graff
2. The Pressure to Meet Expectations
Another major theme in Absolutely Almost is the pressure to meet societal, familial, and educational expectations. Albie’s parents, especially his father, place immense pressure on him to succeed in ways that are measurable — good grades, athletic prowess, and social success. Albie’s inability to live up to these expectations causes him to feel like a failure.
The novel critiques how often children are judged based on these superficial measures of success, and how little room there is for those who don’t fit into this mold. Albie’s internal struggles are amplified by his parents’ expectations, but over time, he learns to accept that he doesn’t have to be perfect to be valuable. This theme resonates with many readers who may feel the weight of similar pressures in their own lives.
3. The Role of Family and Support Systems
Family dynamics are another important theme in Absolutely Almost. Albie’s relationship with his parents is complicated, with his father’s high expectations and his mother’s emotional distance creating a sense of isolation for Albie. However, the presence of supportive figures like Calista shows the importance of having people who believe in you, even when your own family might not provide that support.
Calista’s role in the novel highlights how important it is to have a mentor or role model who can offer guidance and perspective. While Albie’s parents struggle to understand him, Calista offers unconditional support, helping him navigate the difficulties he faces and encouraging him to embrace his true self. This theme speaks to the importance of creating supportive relationships outside of the family, and how these relationships can help individuals grow and succeed, even in the face of adversity.
4. The Struggle for Identity
Albie’s journey throughout the novel is also about his struggle to understand who he is. In middle school, identity formation is a key issue, and Albie wrestles with his sense of self-worth. He questions whether he is “good enough” because he doesn’t fit into the conventional standards of success that others seem to embrace. Throughout the novel, Albie’s struggle with identity becomes a central part of his emotional journey.Absolutely Almost Summary By Lisa Graff
By the end of the novel, Albie has learned that he doesn’t need to be someone else to fit in — he just needs to accept who he is. His journey toward identity is an important and universal one, as many readers, especially middle school-aged children, struggle with similar issues of self-doubt and the desire to belong.Absolutely Almost Summary By Lisa Graff
Read more
5. The Importance of Perseverance
The theme of perseverance is woven throughout the novel, particularly in Albie’s approach to the school project. Albie is initially overwhelmed by the difficulty of the task, but through perseverance and hard work, he is able to complete the project. This teaches him an important lesson about the value of persistence, and that success isn’t always about being the best or the brightest — it’s about doing your best and continuing to push forward, even when things seem difficult.Absolutely Almost Summary By Lisa Graff
Albie’s ability to persevere, despite his self-doubt, is a critical part of his character development. The novel teaches readers that it’s okay to struggle and fail, but the key to growth is persistence. This theme encourages readers to keep trying, even in the face of obstacles, and to understand that hard work and dedication can lead to personal growth, regardless of the outcome.Absolutely Almost Summary By Lisa Graff
Conclusion
Absolutely Almost is a heartwarming and insightful story about self-acceptance, the pressures of growing up, and the importance of perseverance. Lisa Graff skillfully explores the challenges that come with feeling “not good enough” and shows how important it is to embrace imperfection and understand that everyone’s path to self-discovery is unique. Through Albie’s story, the novel offers readers valuable lessons in self-worth, identity, and the power of persistence, making it a compelling read for young readers and adults alike.Absolutely Almost Summary By Lisa Graff
Read more
(FAQ)
1. What is the central message of Absolutely Almost?
The central message of Absolutely Almost is the importance of self-acceptance and understanding that you don’t need to be perfect to be valuable. Albie’s journey is about learning to embrace his imperfections and recognize that he is enough, even if he doesn’t meet everyone else’s expectations.
2. How does Albie’s relationship with Calista affect him?
Calista serves as a supportive figure in Albie’s life, offering him unconditional love and understanding. She encourages him to embrace his true self and helps him navigate the challenges he faces, particularly when it comes to school and family. Her presence is instrumental in Albie’s emotional growth and self-acceptance.
3. What is the role of Albie’s parents in the novel?
Albie’s parents, particularly his father, place high expectations on him, which contributes to his feelings of inadequacy. His father’s pressure for Albie to succeed academically and socially creates tension in their relationship. However, by the end of the novel, Albie begins to understand his parents’ expectations and makes peace with the way they treat him.
4. How does Albie learn to accept himself?
Albie learns to accept himself through small moments of personal growth, such as completing a difficult school project and realizing that he doesn’t need to meet everyone’s expectations to be good enough. His relationship with Calista and his experiences at school help him gain a better sense of who he is and what makes him unique.
5. What does the novel say about the pressure to be perfect?
The novel critiques the societal pressure to be perfect and how it can negatively affect children, especially those who may not fit conventional standards of success. It encourages readers to understand that being “absolutely almost” is enough, and that self-worth is not determined by external achievements.Absolutely Almost Summary By Lisa Graff
Read more
