The Magic in Changing Your Stars
on Goodreads (261)
What’s inside...
Journey back to 1939 Harlem in this time-travel adventure with an empowering message about believing in yourself and persevering. Eleven-year-old Ailey Benjamin Lane, a gifted dancer, is certain that he'll land the role of the Scarecrow in his school’s production of The Wiz. But when a classmate overshadows him at auditions, a deflated Ailey confides in his Grampa that he is going to give up dancing. Not ready to give up on Ailey, Grampa shares a story from his past. As a young boy, Grampa gave up his dreams of tap dancing even after the unofficial Mayor of Harlem, Bill 'Bojangles' Robinson, encouraged him to perform. Robinson also gifted him a special pair of tap shoes. A curious Ailey tries on the shoes and is instantly transported back to 1930s Harlem. There he meets a young street tap dancer and realizes it's his grandfather. Ailey thinks he can help the 12-year-old version of his Grampa face his fears, but he must tread lightly—if Ailey changes the past, can it affect his future, and will he ever make his way home? Featuring an all-Black cast of characters and many moments infused with Black culture and history, this is a time-travel adventure that has been waiting to be told.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
8-12
Length
304 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How do you think Ailey felt when he had the chance to change his future? What would you do in his place?
Why is it important for Ailey to remember and understand his family history? How does your own family history influence who you are?
What does the book say about the importance of believing in yourself? Can you share a time when you felt unsure but succeeded because you believed you could?
How do the different characters in the book show courage and perseverance? Which character's journey resonated with you the most and why?
What lessons does Ailey learn from his journey through time? How can these lessons apply to challenges you face in your own life?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their thoughts and feelings about the book by asking them to draw parallels between their experiences and Ailey's adventures.
Utilize pauses after each question to give your child time to think deeply and articulate their thoughts, enhancing reflective thinking.
Affirm your child's responses, whether simple or complex, to build their confidence in expressing their viewpoints and understanding of the book's themes.
Connect the discussion back to your child’s daily life where possible, such as discussing how they can apply Ailey's lessons of courage and belief in oneself to overcome personal obstacles.
Highlight the importance of history and family stories, encouraging your child to ask family members about their own histories and share these stories together.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Perseverance pays off
Explanation: The protagonist, Ailey, faces numerous challenges while trying to change his destiny but learns that with persistence, he can overcome any obstacle.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by continuing to work hard at their studies, sports, or hobbies, even when they face difficulties.
Example Lesson: Believe in yourself
Explanation: Throughout the narrative, Ailey learns to have confidence in his own abilities, which is crucial in his quest.
Real-World Application: This lesson can encourage children to trust in their own skills and intuition when facing new challenges or making decisions.
Example Lesson: Importance of history and heritage
Explanation: Ailey's journey back in time teaches him about his family's history and the significance of understanding where you come from.
Real-World Application: Children can be encouraged to explore their own family histories and learn about their cultural backgrounds to have a better understanding of their identity.
Example Lesson: The power of mentorship
Explanation: Ailey is guided and supported by his grandfather, showing how mentors can positively influence and shape one's journey.
Real-World Application: This highlights the importance for children to seek guidance from elders or mentors, appreciating the wisdom and support they can offer.
Example Lesson: Change is possible
Explanation: The book illustrates that changing your stars, or altering your fate, is possible through hard work and determination.
Real-World Application: Children can be inspired to know that their future is not set in stone and that they have the power to shape it through their actions and choices.