Leif Falls
on Goodreads (16)
What’s inside...
Leif Falls is a gripping novel by Madeline Rivers that follows the story of Leif, a young man who struggles with addiction and mental health issues. As he navigates through the challenges of his life, he discovers the power of love, friendship, and self-acceptance. The book delves into the complexities of human emotions and the journey towards healing and redemption.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
1-7
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think Leif learned from his adventure in the forest?
How did Leif’s feelings change throughout the story, and why do you think they changed?
What would you have done if you were in Leif’s place when he faced challenges?
Why do you think the author chose a forest as the setting for Leif’s adventure?
How did the other characters in the book help Leif, and what does that teach us about friendship?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their feelings about the story by relating to Leif’s experiences and discussing their own similar feelings or fears.
Ask open-ended questions to help your child think critically about the story and develop their understanding of the narrative and its themes.
After reading, engage in a creative activity like drawing a scene from the book, which can foster deeper connection and discussion about the story.
Use the story as an opportunity to teach resilience and problem-solving by discussing how Leif overcomes his challenges in the book.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of resilience
Explanation: In 'Leif Falls', the protagonist, Leif, faces various challenges but demonstrates resilience by finding creative solutions and persevering despite setbacks.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to embrace challenges in their own lives, understanding that persistence and creative problem-solving are key to overcoming difficulties.
Example Lesson: Value of friendship
Explanation: Leif relies on his friends for support and guidance throughout his adventures, showcasing how valuable friendships can be in achieving goals and facing life’s challenges.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the importance of building strong, supportive relationships and how friends can help one through tough times.
Example Lesson: Understanding and accepting change
Explanation: As Leif's journey progresses, he encounters changes that affect him and his environment. His acceptance and proactive approach in dealing with these changes are central themes.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to accept and adapt to changes in their life, whether it's moving to a new place, changing schools, or any new life circumstances.
Example Lesson: Courage to explore new opportunities
Explanation: Leif's curiosity leads him to explore unknown territories despite the risks. His courage to explore the unfamiliar is a significant part of his growth in the story.
Real-World Application: It encourages children to be open to exploring new activities or interests, helping them to grow and learn about themselves and the world around them.
Example Lesson: Learning from mistakes
Explanation: Throughout his adventures, Leif makes several mistakes, but each time, he learns something valuable from them which aids his personal development.
Real-World Application: This can help children understand that making mistakes is a normal part of learning and growing, and that each mistake is an opportunity to learn and improve.