Leaves in October, The
What’s inside...
A brief description of the book's plot, themes, and key characters. This fun gift notebook contains 100 lined pages. Flexible binding makes writing easy, and the stunning cover provides an impactful gift for co-workers, friends, and family. In a story about a family's struggle with homelessness, Livvy wonders what life will be like in a shelter after her father loses his job and her mother leaves. As she and her brother get to know the people in the shelter, Livvy finds ways to help her father and hold onto hope for a better future.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
9-12
Length
117 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think the leaves feel when they change colors and fall from the trees?
How do you think the animals in the forest prepare for winter as they see the leaves falling?
Why is it important for the trees to shed their leaves during autumn?
Can you describe how the forest looks before and after the leaves fall?
How do the changes in the leaves during October make you feel?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to visualize the changes in the forest by asking them to describe what they imagine.
Listen closely to your child’s thoughts and feelings about the changing seasons, validating their responses to boost their confidence in expressing themselves.
Connect the story to real-life experiences by discussing any personal memories of autumn and how it felt witnessing the changes in nature.
Use expressive gestures or playful tones to mimic the fall of leaves or the brisk autumn wind, making the conversation lively and engaging.
End your discussion with a creative activity, like drawing a scene from the book or collecting autumn leaves, to deepen their connection with the book’s themes.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Embracing change
Explanation: The story illustrates the changing seasons and leaf colors, symbolizing the natural transitions in life.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to adapt to new environments, such as starting a new school year or moving to a new place.
Example Lesson: The importance of patience
Explanation: As the characters wait for the leaves to change colors, the narrative teaches the value of patience.
Real-World Application: Kids can apply this by understanding that some things, like personal growth or learning a new skill, take time.
Example Lesson: Respecting nature
Explanation: The book highlights the beauty and complexity of the natural world through its detailed depiction of October leaves.
Real-World Application: This lesson can encourage children to take an active role in environmental conservation and appreciate the natural world around them.
Example Lesson: Observing and exploring
Explanation: Characters in the book explore their surroundings, engaging with various elements of the fall landscape.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to be curious and observant about the world around them, promoting learning through exploration.
Example Lesson: Value of friendship
Explanation: Throughout the story, the characters share experiences and help each other, emphasizing the importance of friendships.
Real-World Application: This can teach children the importance of building and maintaining friendships and how cooperation and support can be beneficial.