All Things New
on Goodreads (564)
What’s inside...
ALL THINGS NEW follows seventeen-year-old Jessa Gray who feels broken inside and hides her panic attacks and therapy sessions from everyone. After a severe accident leaves her with a brain injury and visible scars, she can no longer pretend she's okay. She moves to Colorado to live with her dad, where her anxiety worsens until she meets Marshall, a boy with a heart defect. His kindness draws Jessa out of her shell and into the real world, a place where everyone needs each other to heal. This love story explores perception, truth, physical and emotional pain, and the complex people we are behind our masks, perfect for fans of ALL THE BRIGHT PLACES and THE FAULT IN OUR STARS.
Why read this book
- Engaging narrative fosters imagination and emotional development.
- Encourages resilience through relatable character challenges.
- Supports critical thinking with problem-solving scenarios.
- Enhances reading skills and comprehension in young readers.
The Big Picture
- Change as a positive, growth-inspiring force
- Embracing new beginnings with resilience
- Adjusting to life’s phases optimistically
What parents love
- Beautifully handles tough topics for young kids.
- Story is magical, educational, and wonderfully engaging.
- Perfect blend of fun narrative and life lessons.
- Keeps my child hooked and excited to read more.
Diversity & Representation
- Promotes inclusivity through diverse characters and settings.
- Encourages understanding of various cultures and lifestyles.
- Highlights the importance of acceptance and equality.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
13-18
Length
328 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How do you think the main character felt when everything changed around her? Can you relate to those feelings?
What do you think is the most important message this story is trying to convey?
If you were in the main character's shoes, what would you do differently?
What does the title 'All Things New' mean to you after reading this book?
How do you think the story would continue after the book ends?
Tip: Role play these questions
Empathize with the emotions of the characters and ask your child how they might feel in similar situations.
Focus on the evolution of the characters throughout the book. Discuss with your child how the characters have grown or changed.
Encourage your child to imagine alternative endings or continuations of the story to cultivate creativity and deeper thinking.
Relate the themes of the book to real-life situations that your child may encounter, enhancing their understanding and application of the story's messages.
Promote making personal connections, asking your child to share any similar experiences they have had or what they learned from the character's journey.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Resilience through change
Explanation: The protagonist in 'All Things New' faces significant life changes and challenges but learns to navigate them with strength.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by embracing changes in their own lives, such as moving to a new school or welcoming a new family member, with positivity and resilience.
Example Lesson: The importance of friendship
Explanation: Throughout the book, the characters develop strong bonds that help them overcome various obstacles.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the value of building and maintaining friendships, emphasizing that true friends are there to support each other in difficult times.
Example Lesson: Self-discovery and personal growth
Explanation: The main character embarks on a journey of self-discovery, learning more about her own identity and capabilities.
Real-World Application: Children can be encouraged to explore their own interests and talents, helping them to build self-confidence and a sense of individuality.
Example Lesson: Acceptance of others
Explanation: Characters in the book learn to accept each other's differences, leading to a more harmonious community.
Real-World Application: This lesson can help children understand and appreciate the diversity in their own communities, promoting inclusivity and empathy towards others.
Example Lesson: Courage to face fears
Explanation: Despite numerous challenges, the characters show courage and do not shy away from facing their fears.
Real-World Application: Encouraging children to confront their own fears, whether it’s trying out for a sports team or speaking in front of the class, can be a valuable application of this lesson in their everyday lives.