Buddy's Song
#2 in Buddy Trilogy Series
on Goodreads (77)
What’s inside...
Buddy's dad's in prison and Buddy believes it's his fault, leaving him feeling lonely and confused. He discovers an old guitar and learns to play, finding solace in rock music as he dreams of a musical career. As he faces the dilemma of choosing between staying in school or pursuing music, he comes to terms with his emotions, ending with 'Buddy's Blues'. This story is part of a top-quality fiction series for schools, serving as the sequel to 'Buddy'.
Discussion points
How do you think Buddy feels about his family situation, and what would you do in his place?
What role does music play in Buddy's life and how does it help him express his feelings?
Buddy faces many challenges; which ones do you think were the hardest for him, and why?
What do you think about the relationship between Buddy and his dad? How does it change throughout the story?
If you could give Buddy one piece of advice, what would it be?
Tip: Role play these questions
Initiate the discussion by sharing your own thoughts on the book’s themes, and encourage your child to express their opinions and feelings.
Relate the struggles and experiences of Buddy to real-life scenarios your child might face, enhancing their empathy and understanding.
Ask your child to draw parallels between the book and the music they enjoy, discussing how both can serve as emotional outlets.
Highlight the significance of relationships and personal growth depicted in the story, prompting your child to think about their own relationships and personal development.
Encourage your child to think critically about the decisions Buddy makes and explore alternative choices he could have made.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Importance of Family Support
Explanation: In 'Buddy's Song', Buddy’s relationship with his father demonstrates the importance of family support as they navigate life’s challenges together.
Real-World Application: Children learn the value of family bonds and supporting each other during difficult times, helping them to cultivate strong familial relationships in their own lives.
Example Lesson: Following One’s Passion
Explanation: Buddy’s pursuit of his musical dreams illustrates the significance of following one's passion, despite obstacles.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to identify their own interests and talents, and to pursue them with dedication, teaching resilience and self-motivation.
Example Lesson: Consequences of Actions
Explanation: Throughout the book, Buddy faces various consequences of both good and bad decisions, highlighting the impact of one’s choices.
Real-World Application: Children are prompted to think about the potential outcomes of their actions, fostering a sense of responsibility and decision-making skills.
Example Lesson: Empathy and Understanding
Explanation: Buddy learns to understand and empathize with different perspectives, particularly through his relationships with family and friends.
Real-World Application: This lesson helps children to develop empathy, enhancing their ability to relate to and understand others around them.
Example Lesson: Resilience in Adversity
Explanation: Buddy’s journey shows him overcoming personal and familial challenges, underscoring the theme of resilience.
Real-World Application: Children learn to remain hopeful and persistent, even when faced with difficulties, nurturing a resilient mindset for life’s unpredictable challenges.