Child X
on Goodreads (334)
What’s inside...
Juliet is passionate about acting and has been given the chance to star as the lead role in the play Northern Lights (based on Philip Pullman's The Golden Compass). But at home, her life is not so happy. Her family starts to disintegrate after her father suddenly and unexpectedly leaves home. What exactly is Juliet’s relationship to her flamboyant actor uncle? And what terrible secret is her mother hiding? This is a moving and powerful story of one girl’s search for her own identity, deftly contrasted with the glamour and excitement of the theater.
Age
8-9
Length
208 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How did you feel about the choices the main character made? What would you have done differently?
What do you think the main theme of 'Child X' is and why is it important?
Can you think of a time when you felt similar to the main character? How did you handle the situation?
What did you learn from the story that you can use in your own life?
Who was your favorite character and what qualities did you admire in them?
Tip: Role play these questions
Prompt reflections on the characters’ decisions and actions to help your child analyze moral and ethical questions.
Discuss the relevance of the book's main theme in your child's day-to-day life, helping them connect literary concepts to real-world applications.
Encourage your child to draw parallels between their experiences and the protagonist's journey, reinforcing empathy and understanding.
Focus on lessons learned from the book’s narrative to promote personal growth and development in your child.
Highlight qualities of the characters that your child admires, discussing how those qualities can be embodied in their own behavior.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of resilience
Explanation: In 'Child X', the protagonist faces numerous challenges but continuously strives to overcome them, reinforcing the concept of resilience.
Real-World Application: Children learn that facing difficulties with courage and determination can lead to overcoming obstacles in school and personal life.
Example Lesson: The value of empathy
Explanation: Throughout 'Child X', interactions with diverse characters teach the protagonist to understand and share the feelings of others, highlighting empathy.
Real-World Application: This lesson helps children comprehend the importance of considering other people's emotions and perspectives during interactions at school or at home.
Example Lesson: Importance of self-identity
Explanation: The narrative of 'Child X' encourages the protagonist to explore and affirm personal identity, which is crucial for self-confidence and growth.
Real-World Application: Kids are encouraged to embrace their uniqueness, which fosters a positive self-image and confidence in social settings and personal decisions.
Example Lesson: The power of curiosity
Explanation: The protagonist's quest for answers in 'Child X' serves as a testament to the power of curiosity in driving personal and intellectual development.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to ask questions and seek knowledge in all areas of life, enhancing their education and critical thinking skills.