Rena Joy Poetry
Why use Almost Loved in the classroom?
Recommended for grades 9-12, College/University ​
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Almost Loved allows for meaningful conversations about identity, resilience, belonging and healing. Written by an adoptee and poet Rena Joy, the book opens doors for students to reflect on love, loss, what it means to find yourself after abandonment or trauma.Poetry provides a safe space for students and readers to navigate their own feelings about family, self-worth and mental health. It also increases empathy when students read about experiences different from their own.
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Downloadable resource pack will be available soon!
Almost Loved Quick Guide
Coming soon ...
Teacher Resource Pack Canada
​Almost Loved aligns with the Canadian curriculum by supporting outcomes in English Language Arts (critical reading, literary analysis, and creative writing), Social Studies (exploring diverse lived experiences and identity), and Health & Life Skills (mental health, resilience, and healthy relationships). This collection invites students to engage with poetry not just as literature, but as a way to explore belonging, empathy, and self-expression.
Teacher Resource Pack USA
​Almost Loved aligns with U.S. Common Core standards in English Language Arts by developing skills in close reading, analyzing figurative language, and writing original poetry. It also supports Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) competencies by fostering self-awareness, empathy, and resilience. Through its exploration of love, loss, and healing, the collection helps students connect personal reflection with academic learning.
Book Club Questions
Coming soon a list of discussion questions you can use at your book club. Reminder if you chose to use Almost Loved for your book club (I hope you do), please reach out to see I'm available for a quick 15 minute virtual chat with your group (would like to offer this for free if my schedule permits it), or hit me with questions your group had. Click here to reach out.