Second Dad Summer
What’s inside...
Jeremiah just wants a normal summer with his dad. But his dad has moved in with his new boyfriend Michael who serves weird organic food and is constantly nagging him. Worst of all, Michael rides a bicycle decorated to look like a unicorn. This is not the summer Jeremiah wanted. But Jeremiah soon learns that being a family comes in many surprising forms.
Age
7-11
Length
228 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Jeremiah
Michael
Mr. Keeler
Jeremiah'S Dad
Discussion points
How did Jeremiah feel about meeting Michael for the first time? What would you feel in his situation?
What does 'family' mean to you? How does this compare with Jeremiah's understanding in the book?
Jeremiah and Michael have different hobbies. What did they learn from each other's interests?
What were some challenges Jeremiah faced in the story, and how did he overcome them?
Can you think of a moment in the book that made you feel happy, worried, or surprised? Why did you feel that way?
Tip: Role play these questions
Personalize the conversation by relating themes from the book to your child's experiences.
Ask open-ended questions to encourage critical thinking and personal reflection.
Active listening is vital. Pay close attention to what your child says and show understanding.
Encourage your child to ask their own questions about the story to foster curiosity and engagement.
Use the diversity of the characters in the book to discuss inclusion and acceptance with your child.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Acceptance of blended families
Explanation: The protagonist, Jeremiah, navigates the complexities of his parents' divorce and his father's new relationship. Through his experiences, he learns to accept and appreciate the new family dynamics.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by understanding and embracing changes within their own family structures, promoting harmony and acceptance.
Example Lesson: Empathy and Understanding
Explanation: Jeremiah develops a deeper understanding of different perspectives, particularly through his interactions with his father's partner, Michael. This helps him empathize with others' feelings and situations.
Real-World Application: This lesson helps children relate better to friends or classmates who might be different from them or who are going through challenging times, fostering a more inclusive and compassionate environment.
Example Lesson: Resilience in the face of change
Explanation: Throughout the book, Jeremiah faces several changes and challenges but learns to adapt and find happiness in his new circumstances.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to maintain a positive outlook and adaptability when confronted with changes in their lives, such as moving to a new school or city.
Example Lesson: Importance of communication
Explanation: As Jeremiah opens up about his feelings and talks through his emotions, he finds clarity and support. Effective communication is portrayed as a key element in understanding and resolving conflicts.
Real-World Application: This lesson encourages children to express their thoughts and feelings clearly and respectfully, aiding in better conflict resolution and stronger relationships.
Example Lesson: Valuing diverse family structures
Explanation: The book portrays a range of family dynamics and shows that love and care are what truly define a family, regardless of its structure.
Real-World Application: Children learn to respect and value different kinds of family setups among their peers, which can reduce stigma and promote social acceptance.