Kaline Klattermaster's Tree House
on Goodreads (211)
What’s inside...
Third-grader Kaline Klattermaster's father has gone somewhere and his mother cannot seem to keep everything straight the way he did, but the two brothers and one hundred dogs that live in his imaginary tree house--and his strange neighbor Mr. Osiris Putnaminski--help him cope with his father's absence, his mother's forgetfulness, and the bullies that torment him in school. 50,000 first printing.
Age
7-11
Length
160 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Kaline Klattermaster
Kaline'S Mother
Discussion points
How do you think Kaline feels when he escapes to his treehouse, and why do you think it's important for him to have that space?
What are some ways that Kaline's imagination helps him deal with his problems?
Can you think of a time when you felt different from everyone else, like Kaline does? How did you handle it?
What do you think about the way Kaline's mom supports him? How do you like to be supported when you're facing challenges?
Kaline's story has a lot of funny moments. Which part did you find the funniest, and why?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage empathetic responses by asking your child how they would feel in Kaline’s situations.
Highlight the importance of imagination by discussing how it can be a valuable tool for overcoming problems, like it is for Kaline.
Build a deeper connection by sharing your own experiences of feeling different or facing challenges, paralleling them to Kaline’s experiences in the story.
Acknowledge and appreciate humor in the story. Laugh together and discuss what makes certain parts funny, enhancing enjoyment and understanding of the book.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Empathy and understanding
Explanation: Kaline Klattermaster, with his vivid imagination and behavior often misunderstood by adults, teaches empathy. The story portrays how Kaline, despite being different, impacts the lives around him positively.
Real-World Application: Children learn to appreciate differences among peers and understand that everyone has unique qualities that deserve empathy and acceptance.
Example Lesson: Creativity as a coping mechanism
Explanation: The character uses his imagination to create a tree house where he feels safe and in control. This represents how creativity can serve as a therapeutic outlet for emotional expression and coping.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to use their creativity as a healthy way to deal with emotions and challenges in their daily life.
Example Lesson: The importance of supportive relationships
Explanation: Kaline’s relationship with his friends and his mother highlights the importance of having supportive relationships, and how they help individuals to thrive even in difficult circumstances.
Real-World Application: Teaches children to value and nurture relationships, fostering a supportive network that can help them through challenging times.
Example Lesson: Resilience in adversity
Explanation: Despite facing challenges such as being misunderstood by teachers and coping with his father's absence, Kaline remains positive and resourceful, demonstrating resilience.
Real-World Application: Inspires children to remain resilient and resourceful when facing their own difficulties, encouraging a positive outlook and perseverance.