Half A World Away
on Goodreads (2,077)
What’s inside...
Twelve-year-old Jaden, an adopted boy who views himself as an 'epic fail,' travels with his family to Kazakhstan to adopt a new baby. There, Jaden meets Dimash, a toddler from the orphanage who may become his brother. Despite his initial struggles with feelings of replacement and his behavioral issues, Jaden forms a bond with Dimash, who faces a bleak future if not adopted soon. This connection ignites something new in Jaden, leading him to confront his emotions and the potential power of love, amidst the challenging backdrop of Kazakhstan.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
3-13
Length
225 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How do you think Jaden felt when he was adjusting to his new family and home?
What does family mean to you, and how does it compare to Jaden's understanding of family in the story?
Why do you think it's important for Jaden to connect with his past?
How did Jaden change throughout the story, and what caused those changes?
What do you think the story tells us about love and acceptance?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their thoughts and feelings about Jaden's journey by asking them how they would feel in similar situations.
Discuss the concept of family with your child, highlighting the different forms families can take, much like Jaden's story.
Explore the theme of acceptance by asking your child how they think acceptance is shown in the book and why it's important.
Use Jaden’s experiences to discuss the importance of personal growth and facing challenges, asking your child to share any personal experiences they find similar to his.
After reading, ask your child to draw a picture of their favorite scene and explain why they chose it, fostering both creativity and comprehension.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Empathy and Understanding
Explanation: In 'Half A World Away,' the protagonist, Jaden, who is adopted, learns to understand and empathize with his adoptive family’s feelings and struggles as well as with his own complex emotions about adoption.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by learning to recognize and respect the feelings of others around them, leading to stronger and more empathetic relationships.
Example Lesson: Adaptability to Change
Explanation: Throughout the story, Jaden is faced with numerous changes and challenges, including traveling to a different country. He learns to adapt and become resilient in these new situations.
Real-World Application: This lesson encourages children to embrace changes in their lives, whether it’s a new school, moving to a new place, or other life transitions, fostering adaptability and resilience.
Example Lesson: Importance of Family
Explanation: The book emphasizes the significance of family connections, as Jaden gradually bonds with his adoptive family and starts to feel a sense of belonging.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to appreciate and cherish their family ties, understanding the essential role family plays in providing support and love.
Example Lesson: Courage to Face the Unknown
Explanation: Jaden shows courage when facing the uncertainties about his past and the complexities of his feelings towards his birth family.
Real-World Application: This lesson can help children learn to confront their fears and uncertainties, encouraging bravery and personal growth.
Example Lesson: Self-Reflection and Personal Growth
Explanation: As Jaden navigates through his emotional journey, he engages in self-reflection, which leads to significant personal growth and self-understanding.
Real-World Application: Children reading this story can be inspired to engage in their own self-reflection, helping them to understand their emotions and grow as individuals.