Olivetti
on Goodreads (5,192)
What’s inside...
A heartfelt debut middle-grade novel told from the perspectives of Olivetti, a witty typewriter, and Ernest, an introverted boy. Replaced by a computer and forgotten by the Brindle family, Olivetti is determined to regain his relevance when he discovers that Beatrice Brindle has gone missing. Breaking the typewriter code, he types back to Ernest, sharing Beatrice's memories stored in him, and together they embark on a journey across San Francisco to uncover the truth and find Beatrice. Along the way, they confront their family's past and discover the parts of themselves they've lost, finding belonging and healing in the process.
Discussion points
What do you think Olivetti felt when she encountered the big challenge?
How would you have reacted if you were in Olivetti’s shoes during her adventure?
What lessons can we learn about friendship and courage from Olivetti’s experiences?
Can you think of a time when you had to be brave like Olivetti?
What would you do if you met someone like Olivetti's friends?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to imagine and express what they would do in Olivetti’s situation, helping them connect personally with the story.
Discuss the importance of friendship and teamwork as portrayed in the book, relating them to real-life experiences of your child.
Highlight moments in the story where Olivetti shows courage and resilience, and ask your child how they feel about those moments.
Use expressions and voices for different characters to make the reading more dynamic and engaging.
After discussing the questions, encourage your child to draw their favorite scene or character to reinforce their connection with the story.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Empathy
Explanation: In 'Olivetti', the main character Olivetti learns to understand and share the feelings of a new classmate from a different background.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by being attentive to their peers' feelings and experiences, fostering a more inclusive and supportive environment at school.
Example Lesson: Courage
Explanation: Throughout the book, Olivetti faces various challenges that require her to be brave and stand up for what she believes in.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to confront their own fears and assert themselves in difficult situations, whether it's trying new activities or standing up against unfair treatment.
Example Lesson: Responsibility
Explanation: Olivetti takes on responsibilities at home and in her community, learning the importance of being dependable and making positive contributions.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to take small responsibilities at home like tidying up their space or taking care of a pet, which builds their sense of duty and community involvement.
Example Lesson: Creativity
Explanation: The book shows Olivetti using her imagination to solve problems and entertain her friends with stories and games.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to use their creativity in problem-solving and in expressing themselves, which can enhance their cognitive skills and emotional health.
Example Lesson: Resilience
Explanation: As Olivetti encounters setbacks, she learns to adapt and persevere instead of giving up.
Real-World Application: This lesson can help children understand that setbacks are a part of life and that persistence is key to overcoming challenges.