This Wonderful Thing
What’s inside...
From the author of the bestselling and Carnegie-nominated debut BOY UNDERWATER comes a moving and hilarious novel for readers aged 10 and up. The story revolves around friendships, family secrets, and a mysterious, life-changing hidden treasure. Jessica finds a dirty, bedraggled teddy bear in the river, setting off a series of events that will forever alter her life. Meanwhile, Cymbeline's home is burglarized, with the thieves specifically targeting his toys. Together, Jessica and Cymbeline uncover a mystery that spans decades, endangers their families, and turns their lives upside down, ultimately showing that sometimes, a new life can be a wonderful thing.
Age
9-12
Length
320 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What was your favorite part of the story and why?
How did the characters' actions make you feel?
Can you think of a time when you experienced something similar to what happened in the book?
What do you think is the main message of the story?
If you could change one thing in the book, what would it be and why?
Tip: Role play these questions
Begin the discussion by sharing your own thoughts or favorite parts of the book to encourage your child to open up.
Ask your child to draw a scene from the book and explain what is happening, deepening their engagement with the story.
Encourage your child to relate the story to their own experiences, which helps personalize the themes and make connections.
Use expressive reading techniques, like changing your voice for different characters, to make the storytelling more immersive and enjoyable.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Empathy
Explanation: The story illustrates empathy through characters who learn to understand and share the feelings of others.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by recognizing emotions in friends and family, and responding with kindness and understanding.
Example Lesson: Teamwork
Explanation: Throughout the book, characters work together to solve problems, highlighting the importance of teamwork.
Real-World Application: Kids can learn to collaborate with their peers in school projects or during group activities, appreciating each member's contribution.
Example Lesson: Perseverance
Explanation: Characters face several challenges but persist until they succeed, demonstrating perseverance.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to keep trying in their endeavors, be it learning a new skill or overcoming a personal challenge.
Example Lesson: Curiosity
Explanation: The protagonist's journey is driven by curiosity, which leads to meaningful discoveries and learning moments.
Real-World Application: Children are motivated to explore new subjects and ask questions about the world around them.