Stranger
The Change Series
on Goodreads (678)
What’s inside...
In 1904 in Astor, Ontario, a boy covered in blood collapses at the feet of 16-year-old Emmy. While the town is suspicious and fearful, Emmy is inexplicably drawn to him. Fast forward to 1994, Megan arrives from London for her great grandmother Emmy's 105th birthday. Amidst the celebration, Megan is dealing with a broken heart and a troubling secret. Spanning a century, the story weaves together the lives of two women from the same family, sharing a connection that transcends time and harboring secrets that could alter their lives forever.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
12-16
Length
368 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How did the character's feelings change throughout the story and what caused those changes?
What would you do if you were in the character's situation?
Why do you think the character made the choices they did?
Can you think of a time when you felt like a stranger? How did you handle it?
What does this story teach us about friendship and understanding others?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to put themselves in the character’s shoes, promoting empathy and deeper understanding.
Use a gentle tone and be patient, allowing your child to process and articulate their thoughts and feelings.
Highlight the emotions described in the book and ask your child how they would feel in similar circumstances to build emotional intelligence.
Connect the story to real-life situations your child might encounter to help them relate to the book and its message.
Reinforce the story’s lessons by discussing how important it is to be understanding and accepting of others.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of kindness
Explanation: The book showcases characters who practice kindness towards others, regardless of their differences, highlighting the positive impacts of such actions.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to be more considerate and caring towards their peers, encouraging a more inclusive and supportive environment at school and at home.
Example Lesson: The value of honesty
Explanation: Through the story's unfolding events, it becomes clear that honesty leads to trust and better relationships among the characters.
Real-World Application: This lesson can help children understand the importance of being truthful in their interactions, which can foster trust and open communication with friends and family.
Example Lesson: The power of perseverance
Explanation: Characters in the book encounter challenges but learn to overcome them through determination and persistence, demonstrating the effectiveness of perseverance.
Real-World Application: Kids can apply this lesson by not giving up easily when faced with difficulties in schoolwork, sports, or other activities, thereby building resilience and achieving their goals.