The Feester Filibuster
on Goodreads (7)
What’s inside...
The Feester Filibuster is a work of fiction that follows the story of fifth-grader John Allan, who discovers that his classmate Rachel thinks he is a spy for the Japanese and wants him deported to another country. Set during the time after the bombing of Pearl Harbor in December 1941, the narrative explores themes of misunderstanding, fear, and friendship. Throughout the book, John Allan faces the challenges of dealing with accusations and navigating his school life while learning important lessons about trust and resilience. The book is known for its drama and unique perspective on historical events.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
9-12
Length
236 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How do you think the Feester solved the problem in the story?
What would you have done if you were in Feester's place?
Why do you think the other characters reacted the way they did?
What did you learn about working together from this story?
How did the story make you feel, and why?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their thoughts and feelings about the story. Listen actively without interrupting.
Ask your child to relate the story to their own experiences. For example, a time they had to solve a problem or work with others.
Discuss the characters’ actions and motivations. This helps in understanding perspectives and empathy.
Praise your child for their insights and ideas during the discussion. This boosts their confidence and engagement.
Create a fun and comfortable reading environment, perhaps with snacks or cozy seating, to make book discussions a special time.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Importance of Persistence
Explanation: Throughout 'The Feester Filibuster', the character Feester continuously encounters obstacles but shows perseverance in achieving his goals, demonstrating that persistence is key.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by not giving up easily on their homework or on learning new skills, understanding that persistence will help them overcome challenges.
Example Lesson: Value of Teamwork
Explanation: Feester collaborates with other characters to solve problems, highlighting the importance and effectiveness of working together as a team.
Real-World Application: This can be reflected in a child’s life during group activities or team sports, where cooperating with others leads to better outcomes and shared success.
Example Lesson: Embracing Differences
Explanation: The story showcases diverse characters coming together, teaching children to appreciate and embrace individual differences.
Real-World Application: Children can practice this lesson by being open to making friends with peers who might seem different from them, fostering an inclusive environment at school or in the playground.
Example Lesson: Creative Problem Solving
Explanation: Feester uses unique and imaginative methods to tackle challenges, encouraging children to think creatively when faced with problems.
Real-World Application: Kids can use creative thinking to find new ways to complete tasks or resolve disputes with peers, enhancing their cognitive flexibility and problem-solving skills.
Example Lesson: Importance of Humor
Explanation: Humor is used throughout the book to diffuse tense situations, teaching children that laughter can be a powerful tool in managing emotions and conflicts.
Real-World Application: This lesson can help children learn to use humor in their daily interactions to keep a positive outlook and maintain friendly relationships.