Stray Voltage
on Goodreads (29)
What’s inside...
After his mother leaves to start a new life elsewhere, eleven-year-old Ian Daley sees changes in his father and in their failing Vermont dairy farm, changes that cannot be ignored. Reprint.
Discussion points
How did the main character's journey make you feel, and why do you think you felt that way?
What do you think was the most challenging obstacle the characters faced, and how would you overcome it?
Can you think of a time when you felt similar to a character in the book? What happened and how did you handle it?
What do you think the main message or lesson of the story is? How can we apply it to our own lives?
If you could change one thing about the story, what would it be and why?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start by sharing your own thoughts or favorite parts of the book to encourage openness.
Ask follow-up questions based on your child’s responses to keep the conversation flowing and detailed.
Link discussions to real-life scenarios or personal experiences to make the themes more relatable.
Encourage your child to draw or write about a particular scene or character to deepen their connection to the story.
Listen actively and validate your child’s feelings and thoughts to build their confidence in expressing themselves.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of teamwork
Explanation: The story illustrates how characters work together to solve a problem, highlighting each individual's unique contribution.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by participating in group activities at school or in sports, learning to value each team member's role.
Example Lesson: Courage in facing the unknown
Explanation: The protagonist confronts unknown challenges, teaching children the value of bravery.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to face new challenges in school or social settings with confidence and bravery.
Example Lesson: Value of curiosity and learning
Explanation: The characters' quest for knowledge drives the plot, showcasing the joys of discovery and learning.
Real-World Application: Children are motivated to explore new topics in school or in their hobbies, understanding that learning can be a fun and rewarding adventure.
Example Lesson: Responsibility for one's actions
Explanation: Characters in the story face consequences for their actions, good and bad, teaching accountability.
Real-World Application: This helps children understand the importance of thinking before acting and being responsible for their choices in everyday life.