Kindred Souls
on Goodreads (1,640)
What’s inside...
Jake's grandfather, Billy, at the age of eighty-eight, shares a special bond with him, often recalling his childhood memories of living in a sod house. When Billy falls ill and is hospitalized, Jake decides to rebuild the sod house as a gift for his grandfather. Billy spends his last days in the sod house, cherishing the bond and memories with Jake. Patricia MacLachlan, author of the Newbery Medal winner Sarah, Plain and Tall, beautifully portrays the natural part of life that is death and the deep connections that make it bearable.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
6-10
Length
119 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How do you think Billy and his grandfather’s relationship changes throughout 'Kindred Souls'?
What does the sod house represent to Billy’s grandfather, and why do you think it's important?
How does the landscape play a role in the story, and what feelings does it evoke in you?
Why do you think the author chose to focus on a simple, rural setting for the story of family bonds?
What can we learn about the importance of memories and heritage from Billy's family?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to reflect on their personal experiences with family and how they relate to Billy's story.
Discuss the significance of physical items or places that hold emotional value, similar to the sod house in the story.
Ask your child to imagine themselves in the story’s setting and describe what they feel or what they would do.
Highlight the themes of aging and legacy, and ask your child to think about their interactions with older family members.
Use examples from the book to talk about the importance of fulfilling promises and showing dedication to loved ones.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The value of intergenerational relationships
Explanation: In 'Kindred Souls', the young protagonist, Jake, shares a deep bond with his grandfather, Billy. Their relationship demonstrates mutual respect and love, highlighting the emotional support and wisdom that elder family members can offer.
Real-World Application: Children can be encouraged to spend time with their older relatives, learning from their experiences and stories, which helps in fostering respect and emotional depth within family dynamics.
Example Lesson: The importance of fulfilling promises
Explanation: Throughout the book, Jake makes it his mission to rebuild his grandfather’s old sod house, fulfilling a wish that means a lot to Billy. This act of commitment shows the importance of keeping promises and the satisfaction that comes from completing a task that benefits someone else.
Real-World Application: Children learn the significance of keeping their word and the positive impact it can have on others, teaching them accountability and reliability.
Example Lesson: Coping with loss
Explanation: The story delicately handles the theme of loss when Billy passes away. Jake’s journey through his grief demonstrates healthy ways to process and come to terms with losing a loved one.
Real-World Application: This can help children understand that feeling sad is okay, and there are constructive ways to remember and honor those we have lost.
Example Lesson: Appreciation for nature
Explanation: Billy’s love for the natural world and his desire to return to a simpler way of living in the sod house is a recurring theme in 'Kindred Souls'. This instills a sense of appreciation for the environment and simpler comforts.
Real-World Application: Encourage children to explore the outdoors and appreciate the beauty and serenity of nature, fostering environmentally responsible behavior from a young age.