A Duet for Home
on Goodreads (3,110)
What’s inside...
Told from the perspective of biracial sixth-graders June and Tyrell, two children living in a homeless shelter. As their friendship grows over a shared love of classical music, June and Tyrell confront a new housing policy that puts homeless families in danger. It's June’s first day at Huey House, and as if losing her home weren’t enough, she also can’t bring her cherished viola inside. Before the accident last year, her dad saved tip money for a year to buy her viola, and she’s not about to give it up now. Tyrell has been at Huey House for three years and gives June a glimpse of the good things about living there: friendship, hot meals, and a classical musician next door. Can he and June work together to oppose the government, or will families be forced out of Huey House before they are ready?
Discussion points
How do you think June felt when she had to adapt to new challenges in the story?
What did you learn about the importance of community from the characters' experiences?
In what ways did music bring the characters together, and why do you think music was so important to them?
Can you think of a time when you helped someone and how it made you feel?
What does 'home' mean to you, and how does that compare to June's sense of home in the book?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use empathetic listening. When discussing the book, try to understand and echo back your child's feelings and thoughts about the story.
Relate the book to real-life situations. This can help your child make personal connections to the themes and characters.
Encourage creative expression. Perhaps have your child draw a scene from the book or write a letter to one of the characters.
Ask open-ended questions that do not have a right or wrong answer to encourage critical thinking and personal reflection.
Celebrate the reading experience. Show enthusiasm for the story and what your child shares, reinforcing the joy and value of reading together.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Empathy and Compassion
Explanation: In 'A Duet for Home', the protagonist's experiences and relationships highlight the importance of understanding and sharing the feelings of others.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by being more considerate and sensitive towards the feelings and situations of their peers and family members.
Example Lesson: Resilience in the face of adversity
Explanation: The book showcases characters overcoming challenges and adversities, highlighting the power of perseverance.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to not give up during tough times, be it in their studies, sports, or personal life.
Example Lesson: Importance of community and support
Explanation: As characters in the book come together to tackle problems, it demonstrates how invaluable a supportive community is.
Real-World Application: Children learn to value and contribute to their own communities, whether it’s at school, neighborhood, or among friends.
Example Lesson: Acceptance of change
Explanation: The book deals with themes of transition and adapting to new environments, teaching children the inevitability and often, positivity of change.
Real-World Application: This helps children understand and embrace changes in their lives such as moving to a new place or changing schools.
Example Lesson: Creating joy through creativity
Explanation: Through musical expressions and other creative endeavors by the characters, the book illustrates how creativity can bring happiness and fulfillment.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to explore their creative sides whether through music, art, writing, or play which can be a source of joy and self-expression.