Me, My Dad and the End of the Rainbow
on Goodreads (1,410)
What’s inside...
WATERSTONES CHILDREN'S BOOK OF THE MONTH FEBRUARY 2021. In the debut novel 'Me, My Dad and the End of the Rainbow,' Archie Albright is a young boy dealing with his parents' apparent dislike for each other and their secretive behavior. Hoping to mend his family, Archie embarks on an adventure with his friends Bell and Seb, following clues that might hold the key to his family’s happiness. The novel is a heartfelt journey through family dynamics, identity, and acceptance, packed with humor and emotions, and praised by critics as a life-affirming and joyful read for children ages 9 and up.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
7-8
Length
352 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How do you think Archie felt when he discovered the secret about his dad? What would you feel in his situation?
What does the rainbow in the story symbolize for you? Why do you think it is important?
Archie made new friends during his adventure. How do you usually make new friends and how do they help you in difficult times?
What did you learn about different types of families from this book?
If you were going to the Rainbow Festival, what would you look forward to seeing or doing the most?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start the discussion by sharing your own feelings about the book and its themes, making it easier for your child to open up.
Encourage your child to draw a picture of a rainbow and discuss what each color represents for them, linking it back to the story.
Let your child take the lead in the discussion at times. This can provide insights into their understanding and feelings about diverse families.
Link parts of the story to your child's everyday experiences, such as friendships at school or family gatherings, to make the themes more relatable.
Praise your child for their thoughts and answers to encourage openness and confidence in expressing their feelings.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Acceptance and understanding of LGBTQ+ community
Explanation: The story follows the journey of a young boy who learns about his father's sexuality and the broader LGBTQ+ community during a Pride event.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to appreciate and respect diverse family structures and sexual orientations, promoting inclusivity in their interactions.
Example Lesson: Importance of family and support
Explanation: The protagonist experiences unconditional love and support from his father and friends, emphasizing the significance of a supportive family.
Real-World Application: This story encourages children to value and rely on their family and friends during periods of change or discovery, fostering strong support networks.
Example Lesson: Courage in self-expression and honesty
Explanation: The main characters display bravery in expressing their true selves and being honest about difficult topics.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to be honest about their feelings and to express themselves confidently, nurturing open and truthful communication.
Example Lesson: Empathy and understanding
Explanation: As the young boy learns more about the LGBTQ+ community, he develops a deeper empathy and understanding for different perspectives.
Real-World Application: Children are taught to empathize with others who may have experiences different from their own, aiding in emotional development and social skills.