Postcards from Summer
on Goodreads (1,265)
What’s inside...
In 'Postcards from Summer', a heartwarming tale unfolds as the protagonist receives a series of postcards that spark a journey of self-discovery and adventure. Through the narrative, the character explores the bonds of friendship, family, and the magic of the summer season. In the novel, seventeen-year-old Lexi discovers a chest of keepsakes from her late mother leading her to Mackinac Island where she uncovers secrets about a forbidden romance and tragedies that changed her mother's life. Lexi finds herself on a transformative journey amidst the island's charming setting, bonding with new friends and uncovering heart-wrenching truths.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
11-12
Length
576 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How do you think the character felt when they discovered the secret garden? What would you feel if it was you?
What is your favorite part of summer and why? How does it compare to the summer adventures in the book?
The book shows different places the character visits. If you could send a postcard from anywhere, where would it be and what would it say?
How does the character change from the beginning to the end of the story? Have you ever had an experience that changed you?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use expressive reading to bring the story's scenes and characters to life. This helps in holding your child’s attention and enhancing their imagination.
Relate parts of the book to your child’s personal experiences or aspirations, making the story more relevant and engaging for them.
After reading, encourage your child to draw a scene from the book or write a postcard as if they were the main character. This taps into their creative expression and deepens their connection to the story.
Ask your child to predict what might happen next at different points in the story. This maintains interest and stimulates critical thinking.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of sharing
Explanation: In 'Postcards from Summer', the protagonist shares her experiences during summer through postcards, which highlights the joy of sharing moments with others.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to share their own experiences with friends and family, strengthening their communication skills and deepening connections.
Example Lesson: Understanding different cultures
Explanation: The book explores various locations around the world through the postcards sent by the protagonist. This introduces children to different cultures and traditions.
Real-World Application: Kids can be encouraged to learn more about different countries, enhancing their global awareness and promoting inclusivity.
Example Lesson: Value of keeping memories
Explanation: The act of collecting postcards in the story underscores the importance of preserving memories. Each postcard serves as a tangible memory of the protagonist’s adventures.
Real-World Application: Children can adopt the habit of keeping journals or creating scrapbooks to capture important moments in their lives, which helps in cherishing memories long-term.
Example Lesson: Creativity and expression
Explanation: The protagonist uses postcards as a creative outlet to express what she sees and feels about her summer experiences.
Real-World Application: This can inspire children to use creative means such as drawing, writing, or crafting to express their feelings and thoughts.
Example Lesson: Building relationships through communication
Explanation: By sending postcards, the protagonist stays connected with her friends and shares her experiences, thereby nurturing her relationships.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of regular communication in maintaining relationships and can use various forms of communication to keep in touch with friends and relatives.