26 Fairmount Avenue
#1 of 8 in 26 Fairmount Avenue Series
on Goodreads (3,446)
What’s inside...
A Newbery Honor Book. Tomie's family begins building their new house at 26 Fairmount Avenue in 1938, amidst a hurricane. The event marks the start of a busy and adventurous year for Tomie. Throughout the year, he has various escapades such as accidentally eating chocolate laxatives with his Nana Upstairs, attempting to skip kindergarten after learning he won't be taught to read until first grade, and causing a stir when he goes to see Snow White.
Discussion points
What did you think about Tomie's experiences during the building of his new house? How would you feel in his situation?
Tomie faces many adventures and challenges in the book. Which one was your favorite and why?
How did Tomie show resilience or creativity throughout the story? Can you think of a time when you did something similar?
How do the events in the story show the importance of family and community?
If you could ask Tomie one question about his adventures, what would it be?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use expressions and voice modulation to reflect the emotions in the story, making the reading experience more vivid and engaging for your child.
After reading a chapter, pause to ask your child how they might feel or react if they were in Tomie's shoes, linking the story to your child's personal experiences.
Encourage your child to draw a scene from the book. This can help them express their understanding and thoughts about the story in a creative way.
Discuss the historical setting of the book. This can provide insight into how children lived in the past, making history relatable through Tomie's experiences.
At the end of the book, discuss the overall message and what your child can learn from Tomie's adventures and apply in their own life.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Resilience in the face of challenges
Explanation: The book chronicles Tomie's experiences as his family builds their new house, facing various setbacks including a hurricane.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to stay positive and keep trying even when they face obstacles, much like Tomie does in the story.
Example Lesson: The importance of family support
Explanation: Throughout the book, Tomie's family members support each other during the construction of their house, teaching him valuable life lessons along the way.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to appreciate and rely on their family for support during difficult times, fostering a nurturing home environment.
Example Lesson: Value of patience
Explanation: Tomie learns to be patient as he waits for his new house to be completed, especially when unexpected delays occur.
Real-World Application: This lesson can help children understand that some things are worth waiting for and that patience is an important skill in life.
Example Lesson: Appreciating historical events
Explanation: Set in the backdrop of World War II, the book provides insights into significant historical events while narrating a personal story.
Real-World Application: Children can learn about the impact of historical events on individual lives, enhancing their understanding of history in a relatable context.