Loose Connections
on Goodreads (10)
What’s inside...
Jake' s dad is away and his pregnant mum is in hospital, so his granny is looking after Jake - or so they think. But Gran has changed. She tends to be dazed or confused, fills Jake' s sandwiches with strange combinations of food, leaves the cooker on, and wanders down the road in her nightie in the middle of the night. Jake doesn' t want to worry his parents, so he tries to look after Gran himself. But help comes from a mysterious quarter, in the form of a strange, ghostly girl called Verity. Birth, death, and the rites of passage in family life that connect them are beautifully portrayed through the eyes of a young teenage boy.
Why read this book
- Explores themes of friendship, adventure, and self-discovery.
- Encourages empathy and emotional growth in young readers.
- Supports development of language and literacy skills.
- Stimulates imagination and creativity through engaging narrative.
Age
9-12
Length
210 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How did the characters in 'Loose Connections' handle feeling left out or misunderstood?
What are some ways the characters could have improved their communication with each other?
Can you think of a time when you felt like Jenny, and how you dealt with it?
What do you think was the most important lesson the characters learned?
How would you have helped the characters build stronger connections?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start the conversation by sharing a personal story similar to a situation in the book to show empathy and openness. Use emotion-based language to connect with your child’s feelings. Encourage your child to think of real-life applications of the lessons learned in the story. Validate their thoughts and feelings, reinforcing that it’s okay to express themselves. Be patient and give your child time to think about their answers, helping them delve deeper into the story’s themes.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of empathy
Explanation: In 'Loose Connections', the characters often face challenges that teach them to understand and share the feelings of others.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by recognizing emotions in their peers and offering support or a listening ear, fostering a supportive community.
Example Lesson: Value of family and friendships
Explanation: Throughout the story, the protagonist realizes the significance of strong family bonds and the reliability of true friends during tough times.
Real-World Application: Kids learn to cherish and prioritize relationships, understanding that these connections provide comfort and assistance in their own lives.
Example Lesson: Resilience in the face of adversity
Explanation: Characters in the book encounter various obstacles but learn to overcome them resiliently, which is a central theme.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to remain persistent and optimistic no matter the challenges they face, enhancing their problem-solving skills and emotional strength.
Example Lesson: Importance of honesty
Explanation: The narrative shows how honesty with oneself and others leads to healthier relationships and personal growth.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the value of truthfulness in building trust and integrity both in personal interactions and in broader societal contexts.
Example Lesson: Learning from mistakes
Explanation: The story emphasizes that mistakes are a natural part of life and an opportunity for learning and improvement.
Real-World Application: Children can embrace their mistakes as valuable lessons, fostering a growth mindset that encourages continual personal development.