Oh Boy, Boston! (Polk Street Special)
#10 in The Kids of the Polk Street School Specials Series
on Goodreads (11)
What’s inside...
In 'Oh Boy, Boston! (Polk Street Special)' by Patricia Reilly Giff, the story follows the adventures of the Polk Street School kids as they embark on an exciting field trip to Boston. The characters, including Richard 'Beast' Best and his friends, are eager to explore the historical city and its famous landmarks. However, their trip is filled with humorous mishaps and unexpected challenges that test their friendship and problem-solving skills. Throughout their journey, they learn about the importance of teamwork, responsibility, and the rich history of Boston. The book is a delightful blend of educational content and entertaining storytelling, capturing the essence of childhood curiosity and the joy of discovery.
Discussion points
What was your favorite part of the children's adventure in Boston, and why?
How did the characters feel when they faced challenges during their trip? Can you relate to any of their feelings?
What did you learn about Boston or about working together as a team from this story?
If you could visit any place in Boston like the characters, where would you go and what would you do there?
How do you think the story would change if it was set in our city instead of Boston?
Tip: Role play these questions
While discussing the book, show genuine interest in your child's thoughts and feelings to make them feel valued.
Use the questions to draw parallels between the story and your child's personal experiences, enhancing their empathy and understanding.
Encourage your child to imagine themselves in the story’s settings or situations, which promotes creative thinking and problem solving.
Discuss the teamwork displayed by the characters and relate it to everyday situations like family projects or schoolwork, emphasizing the importance of collaboration.
After reading, consider exploring more about Boston together, either through books, maps, or virtual tours, to deepen the connection with the story.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Teamwork
Explanation: In 'Oh Boy, Boston!', the characters collaborate on a class project during a field trip, showcasing the importance and effectiveness of working together.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by engaging in group activities at school or in extracurricular events to achieve common goals through cooperation.
Example Lesson: Embracing Cultural Diversity
Explanation: The story explores the city of Boston, introducing children to different historical sites and cultural landmarks, promoting an appreciation for diverse cultures.
Real-World Application: Kids can be encouraged to explore and appreciate different cultures in their community or through books, fostering a more inclusive outlook from a young age.
Example Lesson: Resilience in the Face of Challenges
Explanation: The characters encounter various challenges during their trip but manage to navigate through them, teaching resilience.
Real-World Application: Children learn to persevere through difficulties whether in their academic pursuits or personal endeavours, understanding that setbacks can be overcome with determination.
Example Lesson: Curiosity and Learning
Explanation: The field trip setting in Boston stimulates curiosity about history and education among the characters, highlighting the joy of learning.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to be inquisitive and enthusiastic about learning, both inside and outside of school, enriching their knowledge and experiences.
Example Lesson: Respect for History and Heritage
Explanation: Through their interactions with the historical environment of Boston, the characters show reverence for the past, emphasizing the importance of preserving history.
Real-World Application: Children can be taught to respect and preserve their own cultural and historical heritage, as well as that of others, promoting a deeper understanding of history and its impacts on the present.