Amelia's Family Ties
#9 of 28 in Amelia's Notebooks Series
on Goodreads (529)
What’s inside...
A fun, yet tender, addition to the Amelia's Notebook series, with some very recognizable ties that bind us to our own families. Includes great pictures as part of the story. Amelia meets her long-lost father in this touching and fun chapter book in Marissa Moss’s bestselling Amelia series!
Discussion points
How did Amelia feel when she first learned about her half-sister and how did her feelings change throughout the story?
What are some ways Amelia tried to connect with her half-sister? Which ways were successful, and which were not?
Why is family important, and how can new family members change the dynamics?
What would you do if you were in Amelia's situation when meeting a new family member?
How did the characters in the book handle misunderstandings, and what can we learn from them?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start by sharing your own experiences with family and any similar situations you’ve encountered. This personal connection can make the discussion more relatable.
Encourage your child to express their feelings about each character’s decisions, reinforcing that it’s safe to share thoughts and feelings.
Ask your child to draw parallels between the book’s events and their own life experiences, helping them to connect personally with the story.
Emphasize the importance of empathy by discussing how Amelia might have felt in different parts of the book and asking your child how they would feel in her shoes.
Highlight the resolution of the story and ask your child about how they might resolve similar conflicts in their life, promoting problem-solving skills.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Value of family connections
Explanation: Amelia's journey in reconnecting with her absent father highlights the importance of family ties and understanding family history.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to appreciate and nurture relationships with their family members, understanding the diverse narratives that each relative brings to their life.
Example Lesson: Importance of communication
Explanation: Through Amelia's letters and efforts to reach out to her father, the book teaches the role of communication in healing and strengthening relationships.
Real-World Application: Children can be encouraged to express their feelings and thoughts openly with family members to resolve conflicts and build stronger bonds.
Example Lesson: Resilience in facing emotional challenges
Explanation: Amelia faces disappointment and uncertainty regarding her relationship with her father, showing emotional resilience throughout her experiences.
Real-World Application: This lesson can help children understand that it's normal to have mixed emotions about family issues and that resilience can help them cope and thrive despite emotional challenges.
Example Lesson: Adaptability to new situations
Explanation: When Amelia meets her half-siblings and encounters new family dynamics, she learns to adapt and find her place within the new setting.
Real-World Application: This can inspire children to remain open and adaptable when facing new family structures or environments, helping them to thrive in changing situations.