#1 in Pumpkin Falls Series
Absolutely Truly
on Goodreads (4,216)
What’s inside...
An unsent letter in a first edition copy of Charlotte's Web leads to a hunt for treasure in this heartwarming middle grade mystery from the author of The Mother-Daughter Book Club.
Now that Truly Lovejoy's father has been injured by an IED in Afghanistan and is having trouble finding work back home, the family moves from Texas to tiny Pumpkin Falls, New Hampshire, to take over Lovejoy's Books, a struggling bookstore that's been in the family for one hundred years.
With two older brothers and two younger sisters clamoring for attention, her mother back in school, and everyone up to their eyebrows trying to keep Lovejoy's Books afloat, Truly feels more overlooked than usual. So she pours herself into uncovering the mystery of an undelivered letter she finds stuck in a valuable autographed first edition of Charlotte's Web, which subsequently goes missing from the bookshop. What's inside the envelope leads Truly and her new Pumpkin Falls friends on a madcap treasure hunt around town, chasing clues that could spell danger.
Character compass
Discussion points
What do you think Truly loves most about living in Pumpkin Falls and why?
How does Truly change from the beginning of the story to the end? What do you think causes these changes?
Why do you think the author chose a mystery around an old book to bring the characters together?
If you were Truly, what would you have done differently in solving the mystery?
What did you learn about friendship from this story?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start by sharing your own thoughts on the book’s setting or a similar personal experience to make the conversation feel relevant and engaging.
Encourage your child to relate the story to their own life, asking if they have ever faced a similar situation or felt the same emotions as the characters.
Highlight the importance of growth and change, using Truly’s character development as a starting point for discussing personal challenges and accomplishments.
Discuss the portrayal of community in the book, and ask your child about their thoughts on community and belonging.
Use the mystery element of the book to engage in a fun activity, such as creating a small scavenger hunt or mystery game related to the book’s themes.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Importance of Family and Community
Explanation: In 'Absolutely Truly', the protagonist Truly Lovejoy finds herself entangled in a family mystery that brings her closer to her new community and strengthens her family bonds.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to value their relationships with family and community members, understanding the importance of working together and supporting each other.
Example Lesson: Courage to Face Change
Explanation: Truly moves to a new town and has to adapt to a lot of changes including making new friends. She demonstrates courage throughout the narrative, helping her to embrace her new environment.
Real-World Application: This can inspire children to face changes in their lives with bravery, whether it's moving to a new place, starting at a new school, or other life transitions.
Example Lesson: Problem-Solving Skills
Explanation: The book showcases Truly’s quest to solve a family mystery, which requires critical thinking, perseverance, and resourcefulness.
Real-World Application: Children can apply these problem-solving skills in daily challenges, boosting their ability to think critically and resolve issues independently.
Example Lesson: Empathy and Understanding
Explanation: Truly learns to understand and empathize with the diverse perspectives of the people in her new town.
Real-World Application: This lesson can help children appreciate the diversity around them and foster an environment of understanding and empathy in their interactions.