The Boy Who Wouldn't Speak
What’s inside...
Owen grows to be five years old without speaking. 'Never mind,' says Mom, 'he'll talk when he's ready.' When Owen befriends two kindly giants down the block, he finally must speak to defend them against the biased neighbors.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
3-7
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think made the boy choose not to speak, and how did that make you feel?
Can you think of a time when you found it hard to express yourself? What helped you?
What do you think are the most important messages in the story?
How did the boy's silence affect the people around him?
If you were a friend of the boy, how would you try to help him?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage empathy by asking your child to consider how they would feel in the boy’s situation.
Foster a deep conversation by asking your child to relate personal experiences to the story’s themes.
Utilize pauses after questions to give your child time to think deeply about their responses.
Reinforce the messages in the book by discussing their real-world applications, enhancing both comprehension and retention.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of self-expression
Explanation: The story follows the journey of a young boy who initially struggles to communicate his thoughts and feelings. As he navigates his challenges, he learns to express himself more openly.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to understand and value the importance of sharing their thoughts and feelings with others, helping them develop healthier communication skills.
Example Lesson: Empathy and understanding
Explanation: Characters in the book show patience and empathy towards the boy, which eventually helps him to open up. This portrayal reinforces the impact of kindness and support.
Real-World Application: This lesson encourages children to be empathetic towards peers who may be different or facing personal challenges, fostering a more inclusive environment.
Example Lesson: Courage to overcome fears
Explanation: The protagonist faces his fear of speaking, which is a significant hurdle in the story. His journey to overcome this fear is a central theme.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to face their own fears and challenges, understanding that perseverance and bravery can lead to personal growth and achievement.
Example Lesson: The power of friendship
Explanation: The boy's friends play a crucial role in his journey to finding his voice. Their constant support and companionship illustrate the strength of friendships.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the value of building and maintaining friendships, showing how positive relationships can provide support and strength in difficult times.
Example Lesson: Accepting help from others
Explanation: Throughout the book, the boy learns to accept help from his friends and family, which is pivotal in his development and overcoming his challenges.
Real-World Application: It highlights for children the importance of accepting assistance and collaborating with others, which can be vital in achieving personal goals and dealing with issues.