3 NBs of Julian Drew
An Avon Flare Book Series
on Goodreads (166)
What’s inside...
Julian Drew 'lives' with his father, his abusive stepmother and her children, but it's not a life anyone would want. He buys his first NB on October 25 at Osco Drug in Tucson. Green spiral. 80 pages. 34 lines per page. He tries to write but his pen won't cooperate. Then he develops a secret code. Mysterious notebooks record his fight for survival and recovery. Gripping and poignant, this story will hook readers from the first page.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
11-12
Length
208 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
Why do you think Julian feels the need to keep his writings hidden?
What emotions did you feel as Julian shared his experiences and struggles?
How do you think writing helps Julian cope with his challenges?
Can you think of a time when you used creativity to deal with something difficult?
What do you think is the importance of the characters Julian meets along his journey?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their own feelings about the book's events and characters, as this can deepen their understanding and empathy. Facilitate a safe space where they feel comfortable sharing personal reflections. Highlight the role of creativity and expression in managing personal challenges, mirroring Julian's journey. Finally, relate discussions to real-life scenarios to help your child connect themes from the book to their own experiences.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of self-expression
Explanation: Julian Drew, the protagonist, uses a unique coded language in his journal to express his thoughts and feelings, helping him cope with difficult family circumstances.
Real-World Application: Children can be encouraged to keep journals or diaries to explore and express their own emotions, fostering emotional health and self-awareness.
Example Lesson: Resilience in the face of adversity
Explanation: Despite challenges such as an abusive father and social isolation, Julian demonstrates resilience and determination to change his circumstances.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the value of perseverance and courage, helping them to overcome obstacles and adversities they encounter in their own lives.
Example Lesson: The impact of compassion and understanding
Explanation: Characters in the book who show kindness and understanding significantly influence Julian’s life, providing him with support and a sense of hope.
Real-World Application: Encouraging children to practice empathy and understanding can improve their social interactions and relationships, nurturing a supportive community environment.
Example Lesson: The power of imagination
Explanation: Julian often retreats into his imagination to escape his real-life problems, which plays a crucial role in his personal development and coping strategies.
Real-World Application: Children can be motivated to use their imagination as a tool for creativity and problem-solving, enhancing their cognitive and emotional skills.