Strawberry Moon
on Goodreads (6)
What’s inside...
While driving to Auntie Dot's house, Junie tells her children about spending fifth grade there during her parent's separation many years earlier, when finding a best friend seemed almost as important as seeing her mother again. In the flashbacks, Junie shares her experiences of adjusting to life at Auntie Dot's, where she got into trouble but was guided by Auntie Dot's understanding. Through these stories, Imani begins to see her mother not just as a parent, but as a person with her own struggles, gaining a new perspective on her parent's issues.
Age
8-12
Length
128 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think the Strawberry Moon symbolizes in the story?
How do the characters change from the beginning to the end of the book?
What would you have done if you were in the main character's situation?
How does the setting influence the story's events or mood?
What is the most important lesson the main character learns?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to imagine alternative endings for the book, fostering creativity and deeper understanding of the narrative.
Ask your child to describe their favorite part of the book and explain why they liked it, which enhances comprehension and verbal expression.
Use the themes of the book as a springboard to discuss similar experiences your child might have had, promoting empathy and personal connection to the story.
Encourage your child to draw a scene from the book, which aids in visual memory recall and provides a fun, creative outlet.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Sharing and Generosity
Explanation: In 'undefined', the protagonist learns the importance of sharing her belongings with others, which brings joy and strengthens friendships.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by sharing toys or snacks with their peers, fostering a sense of community and cooperation.
Example Lesson: Perseverance
Explanation: Throughout the book, the main character faces challenges but continues to try her best. Her perseverance ultimately leads to success.
Real-World Application: This lesson encourages children to keep trying in the face of difficulties, whether it’s learning a new skill or solving a problem at school.
Example Lesson: Empathy and Understanding
Explanation: The story explores the feelings of other characters, helping the protagonist to develop empathy and understanding towards others' emotions and perspectives.
Real-World Application: Children learn to recognize and respect the feelings of others, which improves their interpersonal relationships and emotional intelligence.
Example Lesson: Respect for Nature
Explanation: The setting of 'undefined' includes a vivid depiction of the natural world which teaches the protagonist about the importance of environmental conservation.
Real-World Application: Kids can be encouraged to engage in environmental conservation activities such as recycling, planting trees, or cleaning up local parks.