Nekomah Creek
Once/Now/Then/After Series
What’s inside...
Life at Robby Hummer's house is wild, fun, and a big mess since his twin brother and sister were born. At school, he'd rather read quietly than play games at recess or watch a filmstrip. But his teacher thinks he reads too much and sends him to Mrs. Van Gent, the school counselor. Sheesh! Since when is liking books a problem? Meanwhile, some kids at school think it's weird that Robby's father stays home to take care of the twins while his mother works. Robby worries that, if his family is not like everybody else's, the authorities could take him away from them. When he learns that Mrs. Van Gent is coming to dinner, he knows she plans to spy. He's got to turn the Hummers into a normal family—now!
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
9-12
Length
194 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think about the relationship between Annie and her family? How does it change throughout the story?
Why do you think it's important for Annie to keep secrets? What would you do if you were in her situation?
How does the setting of Nekomah Creek contribute to the story? Can you imagine living there?
What lessons do you think Annie learns by the end of the book? Do you think these lessons are important in real life?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their feelings about the characters' decisions, fostering empathy and moral reasoning.
Discuss the historical context of the story with your child, tying it to real-life events or personal family histories to deepen their understanding.
Ask your child to relate personal experiences that are similar to the themes or events in the book, which can help them connect more deeply with the story.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Embracing Change
Explanation: In 'Nekomah Creek', the protagonist, Rina, navigates the changes of her parents' separation and moving to a new community. Through her resilience, readers see her adapt and grow.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to accept and adapt to changes in their lives, such as moving to a new school or changes in family dynamics, viewing them as opportunities for growth rather than obstacles.
Example Lesson: Value of Friendship
Explanation: The book highlights Rina forming new friendships in Nekomah Creek, which help her cope with her personal challenges. Her interactions underscore the importance of support and trust in relationships.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to build strong, supportive friendships. This teaches them about trust, cooperation, and empathy, essential skills for their social development.
Example Lesson: Understanding Diverse Perspectives
Explanation: Rina's experiences at her new school include meeting people from different backgrounds. The narrative fosters an understanding of diverse perspectives and promotes inclusivity.
Real-World Application: This lesson can help children appreciate and respect individual differences in their peers, contributing to a more inclusive and understanding environment in schools and communities.
Example Lesson: Courage to Face Challenges
Explanation: Throughout 'Nekomah Creek', Rina demonstrates courage when facing problems, whether they are personal or social. Her bravery in confronting these issues head-on serves as a powerful example.
Real-World Application: Encouraging children to face their fears and challenges boldly can foster resilience and a proactive attitude towards problem-solving in everyday situations.
Example Lesson: Importance of Family
Explanation: Despite the familial changes Rina endures, the story highlights the enduring support and love within her family. This teaches the significance of familial bonds during challenging times.
Real-World Application: This lesson underscores the importance of maintaining strong family relationships, illustrating how familial support can provide comfort and stability irrespective of external changes.