A Way to the Stars
illustrations by
What’s inside...
An enchanting and heart-warming story between a father and son, that will make you want to reach for stars. Joe wants to find a way to the stars. With the help of his dad, he builds a ladder, a tower, even a rocket to go up, up, up… Oh no! Crash, bang, wallop! What next? Together, the pair jump on pogo sticks and build sheds to paint their dreams and find a way. An uplifting and magical tale of sky-high courage, imagination and the bond between father and son that will make your heart soar. Written by internationally acclaimed author David Almond and brought to glorious life by award-winning illustrator Gill Smith in their first collaboration.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
10-14
Length
208 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think inspired the main character to embark on their journey to the stars?
How did the main character's feelings change throughout the story?
What would you have done differently if you were in the main character's position?
How do you think the story would have ended if the main character had made different choices?
Which part of the book was your favorite and why?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use pauses after each question to give your child time to think and articulate their thoughts.
Show genuine interest in their responses, and follow up with related questions to dig deeper into their understanding.
Relate the story to your child's own experiences or dreams, which can make the discussion more relatable and engaging for them.
Highlight the emotions and challenges faced by the characters to help your child connect and empathize with them.
Encourage your child to imagine alternative scenarios in the story, which can help develop their creative thinking skills.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Perseverance in overcoming obstacles
Explanation: In 'A Way to the Stars', the protagonist faces various challenges but continues to strive towards his goal, demonstrating resilience and determination.
Real-World Application: Children learn the value of persistence in achieving their own goals, whether in academics, sports, or personal projects.
Example Lesson: Importance of imagination and creativity
Explanation: The story emphasizes creative problem-solving and the power of imagination as the characters embark on fantastical adventures.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to use their creativity to think outside the box and find innovative solutions to problems they encounter in daily life.
Example Lesson: Value of friendship and teamwork
Explanation: Characters in the book work together to overcome challenges, highlighting the importance of collaboration and supporting one another.
Real-World Application: Children learn to appreciate and contribute to teamwork in group settings such as in school projects or during team sports.
Example Lesson: Courage to face the unknown
Explanation: The protagonist ventures into new, unknown territories, demonstrating bravery and an adventurous spirit.
Real-World Application: This can inspire children to embrace new experiences and face unfamiliar situations with courage, whether it's trying a new activity or making new friends.
Example Lesson: Appreciating diversity and different perspectives
Explanation: The book explores interactions between diverse characters, showcasing how different perspectives enrich experiences.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of openness and respect for diverse viewpoints, fostering an inclusive attitude towards others in their community.