Absolutely Normal Chaos
#2 of 2 in Walk Two Moons Series
on Goodreads (9,027)
What’s inside...
Mary Lou Finney is less than excited about her assignment to keep a journal over the summer. However, the arrival of her cousin Carl Ray turns her summer into a wild roller-coaster ride filled with chaos, romance, and personal growth. Throughout the summer, Mary Lou documents her experiences and the quirky behaviors of her family and friends, learning valuable lessons about love, death, and friendship along the way. 'Absolutely Normal Chaos' is a delightful prequel to 'Walk Two Moons' that captures the heart and imagination of its readers through the relatable voice of 13-year-old Mary Lou.
Character compass
Mary Lou Finney
Carl Ray
Mr. Furtz
Beth Ann
Alex Cheevey
Finnie family
Mary Lou's Friends
Furtz Family
Discussion points
How did Mary Lou's feelings about her family and friends change throughout the story? What events influenced these changes?
What role does writing her journal play in Mary Lou's life? How do you think it helps her understand her world?
Mary Lou experiences several challenges and misunderstandings, especially with her friends. Can you relate to any of these situations? How did you handle them?
What did you learn from the characters' mistakes and successes in the story? How would you apply these lessons to your own life?
How does the author, Sharon Creech, use humor and seriousness to discuss family dynamics and personal growth? Which parts struck you the most?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start by sharing your own thoughts on the story or a favorite character to create an open environment for your child to share.
Encourage your child to express their feelings about the book’s events and characters, validating their feelings and views to promote a deeper understanding.
Relate discussions to personal experiences or real-world events to make the conversation more relatable and insightful.
Ask your child to imagine alternative scenarios or endings to the book to foster creative thinking and problem-solving skills.
Discuss the importance of journaling like Mary Lou and encourage your child to start a journal as a way to express thoughts and emotions.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Empathy and understanding
Explanation: Throughout 'Absolutely Normal Chaos,' the protagonist, Mary Lou, learns to understand and empathize with various family members and peers as she navigates through her personal experiences.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by learning to see situations from others' perspectives, enhancing their ability to connect and foster meaningful relationships.
Example Lesson: The importance of family
Explanation: The story emphasizes strong family ties and support systems through Mary Lou's interactions and growth within her chaotic but loving family.
Real-World Application: This lesson can help children appreciate and value their own family members' roles and contributions, fostering a supportive home environment.
Example Lesson: Accepting change and personal growth
Explanation: Mary Lou’s diary entries reflect her evolving perspectives and maturity, demonstrating how personal challenges contribute to growth.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to embrace life's changes and see them as opportunities for personal development and self-discovery.
Example Lesson: Responsibility and accountability
Explanation: Mary Lou learns to take responsibility for her actions and understands the consequences that follow, both good and bad.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to be accountable for their actions and learn from their mistakes, which is crucial in their development into responsible adults.
Example Lesson: The value of honesty
Explanation: As the protagonist confronts various situations, she discovers the importance of being truthful, not only with others but with herself.
Real-World Application: Teaching children the significance of honesty aids them in building trust and integrity in their relationships and daily interactions.