Splinters of Sunshine
illustrations by
on Goodreads (59)
What’s inside...
From the multi-award-winning author of Orangeboy, comes a YA road-trip mystery. Spey receives two surprises: his ex-prisoner dad turning up unannounced and a mysterious package containing a collage he made with his old friend Dee, indicating she might be in danger. With no clues to her whereabouts, Spey and his dad embark on a road trip to find Dee before it's too late.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
0-5
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How did the character's journey make you feel?
What do you think the main message of 'Splinters of Sunshine' is?
Can you relate to any of the challenges the characters faced?
How do you think the story would change if it happened in our hometown?
What would you have done differently if you were in the main character's shoes?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their feelings about the story, whether they’re positive or negative. This openness can lead to deeper understanding.
Relate the scenarios in the book to real-life situations your child might encounter to help them connect with the story on a personal level.
Ask follow-up questions based on your child’s responses to encourage them to think critically and develop their interpretation.
Share your own thoughts and interpretations of the book to foster a two-sided conversation. This exchange can enhance their comprehension and enjoyment.
Praise your child for their insights and thoughts. Positive reinforcement can boost their confidence in expressing their views.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Resilience in the face of adversity
Explanation: The protagonist of 'Splinters of Sunshine', Spey, displays resilience as he navigates the challenges of uncovering the truth about his past while managing life's uncertain hurdles.
Real-World Application: Children learn that despite difficulties, persistence and courage can lead to overcoming obstacles and discovering one's true self.
Example Lesson: The importance of friendship and trust
Explanation: Throughout the story, Spey relies on and builds trust with his friends, illustrating the strength and support that friendships provide during tough times.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to value and nurture friendships, knowing that true friends can be pivotal in challenging times.
Example Lesson: Understanding and embracing diversity
Explanation: The book portrays a diverse set of characters, each with unique backgrounds, which enriches the storyline and reflects the real world's diversity.
Real-World Application: Children are taught to appreciate and celebrate differences among people, promoting inclusivity and empathy in their daily interactions.
Example Lesson: The power of curiosity and seeking knowledge
Explanation: Spey's journey is driven by his desire to learn more about his past and understand his identity, highlighting how curiosity can lead to important self-discoveries.
Real-World Application: This lesson instills the value of asking questions and actively seeking out information, which aids personal growth and understanding of the world.