What’s inside...
Stella Maris is the second volume of The Passenger by the Pulitzer Prize–winning author of The Road. Set in 1972, it follows 20-year-old Alicia Western, a doctoral candidate in mathematics diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia, as she admits herself to a psychiatric facility with $40,000 in a plastic bag. Through the transcripts of her psychiatric sessions, the novel explores Alicia's contemplation of madness, physics, and philosophy, her childhood memories, and her ongoing grief for her not-quite-dead brother, Bobby. This intimate portrait provides a rigorous intellectual challenge, questioning notions of God, truth, and existence. Meet Stella, a real canine who works as a therapy dog to bring joy wherever she goes, in this Level 2 Ready-to-Read based on one of the winners of the annual American Humane Association’s Hero Dog Awards™. Meet Stella. Stella has an important she is a therapy dog who creates happiness wherever she goes. Stella spreads joy and love to everyone she meets, whether she’s visiting children or helping those with special needs. This makes Stella a hero to many people. Read her heartwarming story to find out more about Stella and what makes her a hero. © 2015 American Humane Association. The American Humane Association Hero Dog Awards™ is a trademark of the American Humane Association.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
5-7
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think Stella felt when she faced challenges in her adventure?
How did Stella's friends help her throughout the story?
Can you think of a time when you helped a friend like Stella's friends helped her?
What would you have done if you were in Stella's shoes in her biggest challenge?
How do you think the story would change if Stella made different decisions?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their feelings about the story, mirroring Stella's emotions and actions.
Discuss the importance of teamwork and friendship as showcased in the book, relating it to your child’s real-life experiences.
Ask your child to predict what could happen next at crucial points in the story to enhance their analytical thinking.
Relate the challenges faced by Stella to challenges your child may face, discussing possible solutions and the importance of perseverance.
Celebrate creative thinking by asking your child how they might end the story differently, fostering imaginative thinking.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Empathy
Explanation: In 'Stella', the protagonist goes out of her way to understand and comfort her friends when they face challenges, showing deep empathy.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to recognize emotions in others and respond compassionately, ultimately nurturing better relationships.
Example Lesson: Courage
Explanation: Stella faces her fears head-on when confronting new or intimidating situations, teaching readers about the value of bravery.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to face their own fears, be it trying out for a school play or standing up for what is right.
Example Lesson: Teamwork
Explanation: Throughout the book, Stella collaborates with her peers to solve problems, highlighting the importance of working together.
Real-World Application: Kids can apply this by engaging in collaborative activities in school or during play, learning to value each other’s input and efforts.
Example Lesson: Perseverance
Explanation: Stella shows persistence in pursuing her goals despite obstacles, underscoring the theme of perseverance.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the importance of persistence in their academic tasks, hobbies, or personal challenges.
Example Lesson: Respect for Nature
Explanation: Stella’s adventures often involve caring for her environment, educating readers about ecological responsibility.
Real-World Application: Children can adopt habits like recycling, conserving water, or participating in community clean-ups, fostering a connection and respect for the natural world.