On a Sunbeam
What’s inside...
Poignant and captivating, Ignatz Award winner Tillie Walden's powerful graphic memoir, Spinning, captures what it's like to come of age, come out, and come to terms with leaving behind everything you used to know. It details her life as a competitive figure skater, waking early for practices and spending weekends at competitions. As she grew older, she began to question how the world of figure skating aligned with her evolving identity, especially as she navigated school, bullies, family issues, and her first romantic relationship. Over time, Tillie realized that she had outgrown her passion for ice skating and needed to find her own voice and path in life.
Age
14-18
Length
400 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Mia
Elliot
Grace
Jules
Alma
Char
Discussion points
How do the different settings in the story make you feel, and which place would you like to visit the most?
What do you think about Mia's relationships with the other characters? How do they change throughout the story?
What lessons do you think Mia learned during her adventures?
How does the idea of searching and rebuilding resonate with you? Can you relate it to any of your own experiences?
If you could have a space adventure like Mia, what would it be about and who would you take with you?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their feelings about the book's fantastical elements and diverse locations, relating them to their own dreams and aspirations. Point out the development of relationships between characters to discuss the value of teamwork and empathy. Use Mia’s journey to inspire conversations about personal growth and overcoming challenges. Highlight the themes of exploration and rebuilding to connect with everyday tasks or projects your child undertakes, emphasizing the importance of perseverance and vision.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Empathy and Understanding
Explanation: The story explores the relationships between characters of different backgrounds and personalities, demonstrating the importance of empathizing with others.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by learning to understand and appreciate the feelings and viewpoints of their peers, fostering better relationships.
Example Lesson: Resilience in the face of adversity
Explanation: The characters in 'On a Sunbeam' often face challenging situations but show strength and perseverance, highlighting the value of resilience.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the importance of staying determined and working through difficult times, whether it’s in school, sports, or personal relationships.
Example Lesson: Importance of teamwork
Explanation: The narrative shows characters working together to overcome obstacles, underscoring the effectiveness of collaboration.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to work cooperatively in group settings like classroom projects or team sports, understanding that combined efforts often result in greater success.
Example Lesson: Valuing diversity
Explanation: Through its cast of diverse characters, the book celebrates differences and teaches the importance of inclusivity.
Real-World Application: Kids can learn to embrace and celebrate diversity among their friends and in their community, promoting a more inclusive environment.