A Small Free Kiss in the Dark
on Goodreads (645)
What’s inside...
This complex and haunting exploration of life on the edge and what it takes to triumph over adversity is a story about the indomitable nature of hope. Two young boys, an old tramp, a beautiful teenage dancer, and the girl's baby-ragtag survivors of a sudden war-form a fragile family, hiding out in the ruins of an amusement park. As they scavenge for food, diapers, and baby formula, they must stay out of sight of vicious gangs and lawless soldiers. At first, they rely on Billy, the only adult in the group. But as civil life deteriorates, Billy starts to fall apart. Skip, who is barely into his teens, must take over and lead them on a search for sanctuary.
Age
4-8
Length
240 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Skip
The Baby
Tia
Max
Billy
Discussion points
How do the characters in 'A Small Free Kiss in the Dark' show resilience in the face of challenges?
What role does creativity play in the survival and coping strategies of the characters?
Discuss the significance of the title 'A Small Free Kiss in the Dark.' How does it relate to the story and its themes?
How do the relationships between characters evolve throughout the story? What can we learn from these changes?
In what ways do the characters' experiences during the crisis reflect or differ from emotions and decisions we might face in difficult times?
Tip: Role play these questions
Begin the conversation by sharing your thoughts on the book and encourage your child to express their feelings and ideas about the story.
Use the questions as a guide to explore the themes of resilience, creativity, and relationships, but let your child lead the conversation with their interests and responses.
Relate the characters' experiences to real-life situations to help your child connect with the story and reflect on their own experiences.
Encourage your child to think about what they would do if faced with similar challenges as the characters, fostering empathy and problem-solving skills.
Highlight the positive outcomes and growth of the characters to inspire hope and affirm the theme of overcoming adversity through unity and creativity.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Resilience in the face of adversity
Explanation: The characters in 'A Small Free Kiss in the Dark' demonstrate resilience as they navigate through challenging circumstances caused by war and homelessness.
Real-World Application: This teaches children that despite facing difficult situations, persevering and maintaining hope can lead to overcoming such obstacles.
Example Lesson: Importance of friendship and trust
Explanation: Throughout the story, the bonds between characters strengthen as they rely on each other for survival, illustrating the value of trust and friendship.
Real-World Application: Children learn that building trust and forming strong friendships can provide support and comfort in times of need.
Example Lesson: Creativity as a means of expression and survival
Explanation: The protagonist, Skip, uses his artistic skills to cope with the harsh realities he faces. His creativity not only serves as a personal outlet but also as a practical survival tool.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to use their own creative talents as a form of self-expression and problem-solving in their everyday lives.
Example Lesson: Empathy towards the less fortunate
Explanation: The portrayal of characters who are homeless helps readers understand the hardships faced by less fortunate people.
Real-World Application: Inspires children to show kindness and understanding towards those who may be living under different, often challenging, circumstances.
Example Lesson: Adaptability to change
Explanation: The story showcases how characters adapt to sudden changes and find new ways to live when their usual environment is upturned.
Real-World Application: Teaches children the importance of being flexible and adapting to new situations, a vital skill in both personal growth and navigating life's unpredictable changes.