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Gone Fishing: A novel in verse

Gone Series

illustrations by
4.04
on Goodreads (1,917)

What’s inside...

Triple Crown Awards' 2017-2018 Gallery Honor "Just the thing for readers with a burgeoning interest in poetry—or angling."—Publishers Weekly Nine-year-old Sam loves fishing with his dad. So when his pesky little sister, Lucy, horns in on their fishing trip, he's none too pleased. All ends well in this winsome book of poems—each labeled with its proper poetic form. Together the poems build a dawn-to-dusk story of a father-son bond, of sibling harmony lost and found—and, most of all, of delicious anticipation. Charming line drawings animate the poetry with humor and drama, and the extensive Poet's Tackle Box at the end makes this the perfect primer to hook aspiring poets of all ages.
Series reading

Non-Sequential

Age

6-9

Length

128 pages

Text complexity

Character compass

Sam
Lucy
Dad

Discussion points

What did you think about the relationship between Sam and Lucy in the story? How did it change as they went fishing?
How do the different fishing adventures make you feel? Which one was your favorite and why?
What lessons do you think Sam learns by the end of their fishing trip?
How do the poems help tell the story of their fishing day? Did you have a favorite poem?
If you could write a poem about an adventure you've had, what would it be about?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their thoughts and feelings about the characters' dynamics and the activities they do. Use the verse format to discuss how poetry can paint pictures with words. Relate the fishing adventures to any family or individual activities your child enjoys. Also, ask your child to think creatively by imagining their poetic version of a personal adventure.

Key lessons

Example Lesson: The importance of patience
Explanation: In 'Gone Fishing,' the protagonist learns that fishing requires patience, as he must wait quietly and calmly for the fish to bite.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson in real life by understanding that some activities or goals require waiting and perseverance, whether it is in learning a new skill or waiting for their turn in a game.
Example Lesson: Value of teamwork
Explanation: The story demonstrates that fishing together can lead to better results than doing it alone, as characters collaborate and support each other.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to cooperate with others in group tasks and appreciate the strengths that each team member brings to a collective effort.
Example Lesson: Appreciation for nature
Explanation: The narrative conveys a sense of respect and appreciation for the outdoor environment, as characters interact with the natural world during their fishing adventure.
Real-World Application: Children learn to value and care for their environment, understanding the importance of preserving natural habitats and the creatures within them.
Example Lesson: Handling disappointment
Explanation: The young protagonist faces disappointment when things don't go as planned, such as losing a catch, and learns to cope with these moments.
Real-World Application: This teaches children resilience and the ability to handle setbacks gracefully, preparing them for unavoidable disappointments in life.
Example Lesson: Celebrating achievements
Explanation: When successes occur, like finally catching a fish, characters celebrate their achievements, which highlights the joy of accomplishing goals.
Real-World Application: This can inspire children to take pride in their successes and encourage them to set and achieve personal goals.

Gone Fishing: A novel in verse by Tamera Will Wissinger