The Windy Hill
on Goodreads (211)
What’s inside...
A pair of teens visiting their wealthy Cousin Jasper in a sleepy seaside community stumble upon a family mystery in this suspenseful Newbery Honor Book. When the strangely distant Jasper barely acknowledges their arrival, Oliver and Janet form a friendship with a local beekeeper, whose tales of the region's past and their ancestors' history slowly reveal the secret behind their cousin's depression - and just might suggest a solution.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
7-11
Length
144 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How do you think Oliver felt when he discovered the secret of the Beeman’s past? What would you do if you were in his shoes?
The setting of Windy Hill plays a big role in the story. How do the changes in the landscape reflect the changes in the characters’ lives?
What's the importance of the stories told by the Beeman throughout the book? How do they contribute to the overall message of the book?
Can you think of a time when you helped solve a problem like Thea did? How did it make you feel?
Why do you think trust and understanding are important themes in the book? How do the characters show or learn these qualities?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use pauses after reading impactful passages to ask your child how they feel about the situation, enhancing emotional connectivity with the characters.
Encourage your child to imagine alternative endings or scenarios to develop their creative thinking and sense of empathy.
Connect themes from the book to real-life situations your child might encounter, like resolving conflicts or understanding different perspectives, to deepen their understanding of the book’s lessons.
Highlight the historical elements and settings in the story to give your child a sense of time and place, which adds depth to their understanding of the story.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Resilience in the face of adversity
Explanation: In 'The Windy Hill,' the characters encounter various challenges and setbacks but continue to persevere. This is exemplified through their determination to uncover the truth and restore harmony among the townspeople.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to tackle obstacles in their own lives with a positive attitude, understanding that perseverance can lead to overcoming difficulties and achieving goals.
Example Lesson: Importance of family and community
Explanation: The story emphasizes the strong bonds between family members and the support of the community that helps the characters to solve the central mystery. It showcases how collaboration and unity can lead to positive outcomes.
Real-World Application: This lesson encourages children to value their relationships and to actively participate in their community, fostering a sense of belonging and contributing to communal efforts.
Example Lesson: Curiosity and critical thinking
Explanation: The protagonists' quest to reveal the secrets of Windy Hill involves investigation and piecing together clues, which highlights their curiosity and critical thinking skills.
Real-World Application: Children can be motivated to ask questions, seek out information, and think critically about the world around them, enhancing their problem-solving skills and intellectual growth.
Example Lesson: Empathy and understanding
Explanation: As the story unfolds, characters learn more about each other’s histories and struggles, which develops their sense of empathy and understanding.
Real-World Application: This can inspire children to be more considerate and empathetic towards others' feelings and viewpoints, fostering better interpersonal relationships and emotional intelligence.