A Heart in a Body in the World
on Goodreads (9,179)
What’s inside...
When everything has been taken from you, what else is there to do but run?
So that’s what Annabelle does—she runs from Seattle to Washington, DC, through mountain passes and suburban landscapes, from long lonely roads to college towns. She’s not ready to think about the why yet, just the how—muscles burning, heart pumping, feet pounding the earth. But no matter how hard she tries, she can’t outrun the tragedy from the past year, or the person—The Taker—that haunts her.
Followed by Grandpa Ed in his RV and backed by her brother and two friends (her self-appointed publicity team), Annabelle becomes a reluctant activist as people connect her journey to the trauma from her past. Her cross-country run gains media attention and she is cheered on as she crosses state borders, and is even thrown a block party and given gifts. The support would be nice, if Annabelle could escape the guilt and the shame from what happened back home. They say it isn’t her fault, but she can’t feel the truth of that.
Through welcome and unwelcome distractions, she just keeps running, to the destination that awaits her. There, she’ll finally face what lies behind her—the miles and love and loss…and what is to come.
Age
13-14
Length
358 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How do you think Annabelle's cross-country run helped her cope with her past trauma?
What does the title 'A Heart in a Body in the World' mean to you after reading about Annabelle's journey?
In what ways do the characters in the book demonstrate resilience in the face of adversity?
How do relationships in the book support Annabelle’s healing process?
What did you learn about the importance of mental health awareness from Annabelle's story?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their thoughts and feelings about the story, relating the events to their own experiences when possible.
Discuss the significance of emotional support in overcoming challenges as portrayed in the book, and relate it to your child's life.
Create a comfortable environment that fosters open conversations about difficult topics such as trauma and mental health, as highlighted in the book.
Use examples from Annabelle’s journey to discuss the importance of setting personal goals and the sense of achievement that follows.
Highlight the relationship dynamics in the story and discuss with your child the importance of supportive relationships in their own life.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Resilience and perseverance
Explanation: The protagonist, Annabelle, demonstrates immense resilience by embarking on a cross-country run to cope with a traumatic event. Throughout her journey, she faces physical and emotional challenges but continues to push forward.
Real-World Application: Children can learn the importance of persisting through difficult circumstances and understand that it's okay to seek healthy outlets for managing stress and trauma.
Example Lesson: The impact of trauma and the healing process
Explanation: The book explores how trauma affects an individual’s life and the various ways healing can occur. Annabelle’s journey underscores the non-linear nature of healing and the importance of support from others.
Real-World Application: This can help children recognize the effects of traumatic experiences and emphasize the significance of seeking support from friends, family, or professionals when needed.
Example Lesson: Empathy and understanding
Explanation: As readers follow Annabelle’s story, they gain insights into her thoughts and emotions which fosters a deep sense of empathy and understanding towards her situation.
Real-World Application: This can encourage children to be more empathetic and understanding towards people who might be experiencing internal conflicts or challenges, promoting a more inclusive and supportive community.
Example Lesson: Self-reflection and personal growth
Explanation: Throughout her run, Annabelle reflects on her past and the events that led her to where she is. This process of self-reflection is crucial for her personal growth and understanding of herself.
Real-World Application: Children can be encouraged to engage in self-reflection to understand their emotions and actions better, which is essential for personal development and emotional intelligence.