your name. (light novel)
#1 in your name. Series
on Goodreads (12,169)
What’s inside...
Mitsuha, a high school girl living in a small town in the mountains, has a dream that she's a boy living in Tokyo. Taki, a high school boy in Tokyo, dreams he's a girl living in a quaint little mountain town. Sharing bodies, relationships, and lives, the two become inextricably interwoven--but are any connections truly inseverable in the grand tapestry of fate? Written by director MAKOTO SHINKAI during the production of the film by the same title, your name. is in turns funny, heartwarming, and heartwrenching as it follows the struggles of two young people determined to hold on to one another.
Character compass
Taki Tachibana
Mitsuha Miyamizu
Yotsuha Miyamizu
Miki Okudera
Sayaka Natori
Tsukasa Fujii
Katsuhiko Teshigawara
Hitoha Miyamizu
Toshiki Miyamizu
Discussion points
How do you think the characters felt when they realized they were switching places? What would you do in their situation?
Why do you think the comet is significant in the story? How does it affect the lives of the characters?
What did you learn about how people can connect with each other, even if they're very different or far apart?
How do the characters deal with challenges and hardships in their lives? Can you think of a time when you had to overcome a challenge?
What does the story tell us about fate and destiny? Do you think our lives are pre-written or that we make our own choices?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their thoughts and feelings about the characters and their decisions. This can lead to a deeper understanding of the characters’ emotions and challenges.
Discuss the cultural aspects presented in the book. This can provide a new perspective and appreciation for different ways of life and lead to a discussion about diversity and inclusion.
Use the theme of the comet to explore topics of significant changes or events in life. Relate these to personal experiences or historical events to make the discussion more relatable.
Highlight the moments of resilience in the story to teach your child about the importance of perseverance and courage in difficult times.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Empathy and understanding others
Explanation: The story of 'your name.' centers around two teenagers who mysteriously swap bodies, allowing them to experience each other's lives. This plot device highlights the importance of understanding situations from others' perspectives.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to appreciate the different challenges and emotions their peers may face, fostering a more empathetic and supportive environment at home or school.
Example Lesson: The value of communication
Explanation: As the characters struggle to communicate across distance and even time, the story underscores how crucial clear communication is to solving problems and forming relationships.
Real-World Application: This can teach children the importance of expressing themselves and listening to others, whether they are interacting with family or friends.
Example Lesson: Resilience in the face of challenges
Explanation: The protagonists in 'your name.' face numerous unexpected and difficult situations. Their determination and resilience ultimately help them navigate these challenges successfully.
Real-World Application: Children can learn the importance of persistence and adaptability when faced with difficulties, enhancing their problem-solving skills and boosting their confidence.
Example Lesson: Cultural awareness and appreciation
Explanation: The story delicately weaves in cultural elements, such as rituals and festivals from rural Japan, highlighting the rich tapestry of traditions and their impact on the characters' identities.
Real-World Application: This can encourage children to explore and respect diverse cultures, thereby enriching their global understanding and appreciation for different ways of life.