Kildee House (The Newbery Honor Roll)
The Newbery Honor Roll Series
What’s inside...
When Jerome Kildee, a solitary man, builds a home in a redwood forest in California, he takes in some skunks and raccoons, but as they begin to multiply, Kildee looks to two human neighbors for help. Initially fancying himself a philosopher and hermit, he soon finds himself facing a crisis with dozens of raccoons and spotted skunks living in and under his home, coming and going as they saw fit.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
8-12
Length
209 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Jerome Kildee
Emma Lou Eppy
Donald Roger Cabot
Discussion points
What do you think makes Jerome Kildee decide to live in the woods, and how do you feel about his lifestyle?
How do the animals in Kildee House show trust in Jerome? Can you share a time when you had to trust someone new?
What lessons do you think Monarch, the raccoon, learns throughout the book? How do you perceive his changes?
How do the human and animal characters depend on each other in the story? Why is interdependence important?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use empathetic listening to understand your child's perspective on Jerome’s choices and the book's wilderness setting.
Encourage your child to relate personal experiences of trust and friendship to the scenarios in Kildee House.
Discuss the significance of changes in Monarch’s character and draw parallels to any changes they've observed in real life or in other stories.
Highlight the themes of mutual support and community in the story to help impart values of collaboration and respect for nature.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Empathy and compassion
Explanation: In 'Kildee House', the protagonist Jerome Kildee builds relationships with the animals around his home, demonstrating empathy and understanding towards their needs.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to understand and respect the feelings of others, whether they are humans or animals, fostering a caring attitude in their everyday interactions.
Example Lesson: Responsibility
Explanation: Jerome takes on the responsibility of caring for the animals, illustrating the importance of commitment and the consequences of taking on duties.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to be reliable and responsible when entrusted with tasks, be it at home or school.
Example Lesson: Problem-solving
Explanation: The book shows Jerome solving various conflicts among the animals, teaching methods of peaceful conflict resolution.
Real-World Application: Children can apply these problem-solving skills to navigate disputes and challenges they face among peers.
Example Lesson: Living harmoniously with nature
Explanation: The setting of 'Kildee House' in the Redwood Forest emphasizes the importance of coexistence with the natural environment.
Real-World Application: This lesson can inspire children to appreciate nature and understand the significance of environmental conservation.
Example Lesson: Courage to embrace change
Explanation: Jerome Kildee, initially a recluse, opens up his world by interacting more with both animals and humans, showcasing the courage to embrace change.
Real-World Application: This can motivate children to step out of their comfort zones and be open to new experiences and relationships.