Bounce
illustrations by
What’s inside...
From the author of PERFECT and LUSH, another novel that tells it like it is. The perils of dealing with a new stepfamily are illuminated with the same Blume-like heart and wit that Natasha Friend brought to PERFECT and LUSH. Bounce liked to bounce. One day Bounce noticed something, he couldn't bounce anymore! Find out what happens to Bounce when Bounce lost his bounce.
Age
6-8
Length
40 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think makes the character in 'Bounce' keep trying even when things are tough?
How did you feel when the character faced a challenge? What would you do in a similar situation?
What are some ways the character showed resilience or creativity in the story?
Can you think of a time when you bounced back from a difficult situation? What helped you to keep going?
Why do you think the author named the book 'Bounce'? What does 'bounce' mean to you in the context of the story?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their thoughts and feelings about the challenges faced by the character. Relate the situations in the book to personal experiences your child might have faced to make the discussion more relatable. Use positive reinforcement to appreciate your child's insights and perspectives. Facilitate a brainstorming session with your child on ways to handle setbacks, emphasizing the power of perseverance and creativity. Lead by example by sharing your own stories where resilience led to success or a positive outcome.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Resilience
Explanation: The main character faces various challenges but learns to overcome them through persistence and determination.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to persist through personal challenges, whether in school or during extracurricular activities, building their resilience.
Example Lesson: Creativity
Explanation: The protagonist uses imaginative solutions to navigate obstacles, showcasing the power of creative thinking.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to think outside the box and apply creative problem-solving in tasks such as homework or in social scenarios.
Example Lesson: Empathy
Explanation: Through interactions with other characters, the protagonist learns to understand and share the feelings of others.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this understanding by recognizing emotions in others and responding appropriately, enhancing their interpersonal relationships.
Example Lesson: Teamwork
Explanation: The story highlights the successes achieved when characters work together towards a common goal.
Real-World Application: Promotes the importance of cooperation and teamwork in group activities at school or in sports.
Example Lesson: Adaptability
Explanation: As circumstances change, the protagonist adjusts their strategies and approaches, demonstrating adaptability.
Real-World Application: Teaches children the importance of being flexible and adaptable in different situations such as adjusting to a new school environment or different social settings.