All Together Now
Once/Now/Then/After Series
What’s inside...
Coming to Netflix this summer as a major motion picture! Juno meets Stargirl in this fresh and funny yet heartbreaking young adult novel debut, now available in paperback. Amber Appleton lives in a bus. Ever since her mom's boyfriend kicked them out, Amber, her mom, and her totally loyal dog, Bobby Big Boy (aka Thrice B) have been camped out in the back of Hello Yellow (the school bus her mom drives). Still, Amber, the self-proclaimed princess of hope and girl of unyielding optimism, refuses to sweat the bad stuff. But when a fatal tragedy threatens Amber's optimism—and her way of life, can Amber continue to be the rock star of hope? With an oddball cast of characters, and a heartwarming, inspiring story, this novel unveils a beautifully beaten-up world of laughs, loyalty, and hard-earned hope. The world is Amber's stage, and Amber is, well...she's sorta like a rock star. True? True.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
11-12
Length
384 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Amber Appleton
Ricky
Donna Appleton
Private Jackson
Father Chee
Discussion points
What feelings did you experience while reading about the friendships in the story?
How do you think the main character changed from the beginning to the end of the book?
Why is it important to work together, like the characters did in the story?
What would you do if you were in the main character’s situation?
How can we apply the lessons from the book to our everyday life?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their thoughts and feelings about the book’s themes. Ask questions that prompt deeper thinking, like how the characters' experiences relate to their own life. Validate their feelings and provide reassurance by sharing your perspectives. Use examples from the book to highlight the importance of teamwork and empathy in real-life scenarios. Let your child lead parts of the discussion to boost their confidence and enhance their engagement.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Importance of Teamwork
Explanation: The characters in 'All Together Now' collaborate to form a band, showcasing how working together can help achieve a common goal.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by participating in group activities at school or in sports, learning how to cooperate and value each member's contribution.
Example Lesson: Dealing with Change
Explanation: As the story unfolds, the protagonist faces changes in personal relationships and band dynamics, teaching resilience and adaptability.
Real-World Application: Kids can relate this to changing schools, moving to a new city, or adapting to any new social setting, understanding that change is a part of life and can be navigated positively.
Example Lesson: Value of Friendship
Explanation: Characters in the book navigate ups and downs in their relationships, emphasizing the importance of support and trust in friendships.
Real-World Application: Children learn to nurture their friendships through honest communication and empathy, skills that help them build strong, supportive relationships throughout their lives.
Example Lesson: Expressing Creativity
Explanation: The book highlights the characters’ journey in music, encouraging self-expression through creative outlets.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to explore their own interests in arts, music, or other creative fields, fostering a sense of identity and confidence.
Example Lesson: Handling Disagreements
Explanation: The story presents conflicts among the band members, illustrating constructive ways to resolve disagreements.
Real-World Application: This can teach children effective communication and problem-solving skills which are essential for handling conflicts in school or with peers.