A Scatter of Light
Last Night at the Telegraph Club Series
on Goodreads (11,446)
What’s inside...
Award-winning author Malinda Lo returns to the Bay Area with another coming-of-queer-age story, set against the backdrop of the first major Supreme Court decisions legalizing gay marriage. Sixty years after 'Last Night at the Telegraph Club', Lo's novel glimpses into the lives of Lily and Kath since 1955. Aria Tang West, exiled to California after a party goes wrong, finds unexpected adventure with her grandmother's gardener, Steph Nichols. Aria's summer in California, surrounded by the working-class queer community, turns out to be life-changing as she explores her identity and aspirations.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
14-17
Length
325 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Aria Tang West
Steph Nichols
Joan West
Discussion points
How does Aria's journey in 'A Scatter of Light' help her understand her identity, and what did you find most relatable about her experiences?
Why do you think the author chose to explore the themes of family, love, and self-discovery? How do these themes impact the characters?
What role does friendship play in the book, and how do the characters' relationships influence their growth?
How does the setting of the story enhance the overall theme of searching for light in dark times?
What lessons can we take from Aria's story about bravery and being true to oneself?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start by sharing your own thoughts on the themes of the book to open up a honest dialogue.
Encourage your child to express their feelings about the characters' decisions and how they might have reacted in similar situations.
Link discussions to personal experiences or current events to make the themes more relatable and impactful.
Praise your child’s insights and responses to develop their confidence and critical thinking skills.
Ask questions about the artistic elements of the book, such as its cover design and illustrations, to deepen appreciation for different forms of expression.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Understanding and accepting diverse identities
Explanation: In 'A Scatter of Light', the protagonist navigates personal discovery and relationships within the LGBTQ+ community, offering insights on understanding and acceptance.
Real-World Application: This lesson helps children embrace diversity in their communities and develop empathy towards people of different identities.
Example Lesson: Importance of personal growth and self-discovery
Explanation: The story showcases the journey of the main character as she discovers more about her own identity and desires, emphasizing personal development.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to be introspective and value their individual growth, encouraging them to pursue their own interests and understand themselves better.
Example Lesson: Navigating relationships with empathy and respect
Explanation: Relationship dynamics in 'A Scatter of Light' are portrayed with complexity and realism, focusing on handling them with care and understanding.
Real-World Application: This can help children learn the importance of empathy and respect in their interactions and relationships, promoting healthy communication skills.
Example Lesson: Resilience in the face of challenges
Explanation: As the protagonist encounters personal and external challenges, her resilience becomes key to overcoming them.
Real-World Application: Children can learn the value of resilience and perseverance, applying it to overcome obstacles in school and everyday situations.
Example Lesson: Appreciating the impact of art in expressing identity
Explanation: Art plays a critical role in the protagonist’s life, helping her express her identity and connect with others.
Real-World Application: This lesson encourages children to explore and appreciate various forms of art as a means of self-expression and connection with others.