A Soft Place to Land
on Goodreads (1,402)
What’s inside...
In this compelling and heartfelt mystery story, Janae Marks—author of the acclaimed bestselling From the Desk of Zoe Washington—follows a young girl reshaping her meaning of home. Joy Taylor has always believed home is the house she lived in her entire life. But then her dad lost his job, and suddenly, home becomes a tiny apartment with thin walls, shared bedrooms, and a place for tense arguments between Mom and Dad. Hardest of all, Joy doesn't have her music to escape through anymore. Without enough funds, her dreams of becoming a great pianist—and one day, a film score composer—have been put on hold. A friendly new neighbor her age lets Joy in on the complex's best-kept secret: the Hideout, a cozy refuge that only the kids know about. And it's in this little hideaway that Joy starts exchanging secret messages with another kid in the building who also seems to be struggling, until—abruptly, they stop writing back. What if they're in trouble? Joy is determined to find out who this mystery writer is, fast, but between trying to raise funds for her music lessons, keeping on a brave face for her little sister, and worrying about her parents' marriage, Joy isn't sure how to keep her own head above water.
Age
8-12
Length
288 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Joy Taylor
Nora
Malia Taylor
Discussion points
How did Joy's secret hideout make her feel, and why do you think it was important to her?
What did you learn about friendship from Joy's interactions with her friends in the book?
How did Joy handle the changes in her family, and what can we learn from her approach?
Why is it important to have a special place where you feel safe and understood?
How do you think the story would change if it was told from another character’s perspective?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to relate to Joy by asking them about their own experiences with friendship and change, drawing parallels to the story.
Discuss the importance of having a safe space, like Joy’s hideout, and explore together whether your child has or would like to have a similar special place.
Emphasize empathy by exploring other characters' feelings and reactions, asking your child how they might feel in similar situations.
Use Joy’s story as a springboard to talk about challenges your child might be facing, reinforcing that it’s okay to feel complex emotions.
Highlight the value of resilience and adaptability shown by Joy, discussing ways your child can implement those traits in their own life.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Empathy and Understanding
Explanation: The protagonist, Joy Taylor, learns to understand and empathize with her peers' struggles as she navigates her own challenges. Through her interactions with others at the community center, she gains insights into their lives, fostering empathy.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by learning to listen actively to their peers and trying to understand situations from perspectives different from their own.
Example Lesson: Importance of Community Support
Explanation: Joy discovers a supportive community at the local center, highlighting the significance of finding a group that uplifts its members. This network of support proves crucial in helping her deal with her family issues.
Real-World Application: Children can seek out or create groups in their own lives, such as clubs or sports teams, to experience the benefits of community support.
Example Lesson: Resilience in Adversity
Explanation: Despite facing personal and family challenges, Joy shows resilience. Her ability to bounce back and find solutions, like using art to express herself, exemplifies perseverance.
Real-World Application: Kids can be encouraged to find healthy outlets for their emotions and to persist despite setbacks, understanding that resilience is key to overcoming difficulties.
Example Lesson: Value of Artistic Expression
Explanation: Art becomes Joy's safe haven, providing her with solace and a way to process her feelings. This highlights the therapeutic value of creative expression.
Real-World Application: Children can be encouraged to explore various forms of art to express their feelings and thoughts, helping them manage emotions and stress.
Example Lesson: Finding One’s Voice
Explanation: Throughout the book, Joy learns to assert herself and communicate her needs and feelings more effectively, gaining confidence in her voice.
Real-World Application: This lesson can teach children the importance of clear communication and self-advocacy in their interactions, fostering greater self-confidence and agency.