Dear Dad: A Nine Year Old Boy's Letter to His Father
on Goodreads (2)
What’s inside...
Discover 'Dear Dad: A nine-year-old boy's letter to his father,' a heartfelt and inspiring memoir by Sayid T.M. Hoston. This touching book takes you on an emotional journey as the young protagonist shares his experiences growing up without his dad and the impact it had on his life. From cherished memories with his grandpa, who played a crucial role in his upbringing, to facing the consequences of his actions and learning valuable life lessons, this book explores the essence of love, family, and resilience. As you delve into the pages of 'Dear Dad,' you'll witness the boy's struggles and triumphs, finding solace in the belief that greatness doesn't rely on having a father present. Through poignant reflections and poignant advice, the young author encourages readers to cherish their loved ones and be present in the lives of their children. Join the journey of self-discovery, growth, and forgiveness in 'Dear Dad,' a powerful testament to the strength of the human spirit and the enduring power of love. Get your copy today and be inspired by this touching tale of a boy's letter to his father.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
6-18
Length
46 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How do you think the boy feels about his father in the letter?
What are some ways the boy shows love and respect for his dad throughout the letter?
If you were to write a letter to someone you care about, what are some things you would want to tell them?
How do you think the father might feel after reading this letter from his son?
What does this book teach us about the importance of expressing our feelings?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their thoughts and feelings about the book, validating their opinions and showing genuine interest.
Relate the father-son relationship in the book to your own family dynamics, sharing personal stories or experiences to deepen the discussion.
Invite your child to imagine writing a similar letter. Discuss whom they might write to and what they would like to say.
Use the themes of love and respect found in the book to talk about how important these values are in your family and in friendships.
After reading, consider doing a creative activity together, like writing a short letter or drawing a picture for a family member, to apply the book's themes practically.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Importance of Communication
Explanation: The protagonist in 'Dear Dad' expresses his thoughts and feelings through a letter to his father, demonstrating effective ways to communicate emotions.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to express their feelings and thoughts through writing or talking, which can help them in resolving conflicts and in understanding their own emotions better.
Example Lesson: Empathy and Understanding
Explanation: Through the boy's heartfelt words, readers see the world from his perspective, which teaches empathy and understanding towards others’ feelings.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this by trying to see situations from others' points of view, hence fostering better relationships and reducing conflicts.
Example Lesson: Resilience in facing life challenges
Explanation: The boy shares his experiences and challenges, illustrating resilience and the ability to cope with difficult situations.
Real-World Application: This story can motivate children to persevere through their own challenges, whether big or small, and to seek support when needed.
Example Lesson: Appreciation for parental figures
Explanation: The boy’s letter highlights specific instances of support and love from his father, showing appreciation for parental efforts.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to recognize and appreciate the support they receive from their parents or guardians and to express gratitude.
Example Lesson: Self-reflection
Explanation: Writing the letter serves as a form of self-reflection for the boy, as he assesses his thoughts and feelings.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to engage in self-reflection to understand themselves better and to grow personally and emotionally.