Some of my favorite memories as a parent are the moments spent reading with my kids—curled up with a book, turning pages together, and discovering small details hidden in the illustrations. Stories that invited curiosity didn’t just keep their attention; they created connection.
When I began working on A Broken Crayon, I knew I wanted to include that same sense of discovery.
Throughout the book, readers are invited to search for a small hidden character named Grace who appears on every page. She isn’t part of the main storyline, and she never takes center stage—but she’s always there. For students, this becomes a fun visual game. For educators, it opens the door to something deeper.
In the classroom, grace can be understood as patience, understanding, compassion, and support—especially when someone is struggling. Grace is what helps a child feel safe enough to try again after a mistake. It’s what allows a student to be honest about how they’re feeling. It’s what reminds us that growth doesn’t require perfection.
The hidden character of Grace becomes a powerful metaphor. Students may not notice her right away, but once they do, they begin looking for her everywhere. That mirrors an important life skill: learning to notice support, kindness, and hope—even during difficult moments.
For teachers and counselors, this feature creates natural discussion opportunities:
That’s one of the reasons A Broken Crayon includes discussion questions at the end of the book. The story is designed not just to be read, but to be explored—helping students build emotional awareness, empathy, and resilience.
Grace on every page isn’t about having all the answers. It’s about reminding students that support can exist alongside struggle—and that even when something feels broken, it doesn’t mean it’s alone.
For educators and administrators looking for literature that supports SEL goals while remaining accessible and inclusive, A Broken Crayon offers a simple but meaningful tool: a story that invites students to look closer, talk openly, and grow together.
