All We Know of Heaven
on Goodreads (1,607)
What’s inside...
Bridget Flannery and Maureen O'Malley have been BFFs since forever. Then a brief moment of inattention on an icy road leaves one girl dead and the other in a coma, battered beyond recognition. Family and friends mourn one friend's loss and pray for the other's recovery. Then the doctors discover they have made a terrible mistake. The girl who lived is the one who everyone thought had died. Based on a true case of mistaken identity, All We Know of Heaven is a universal story that no one can read unmoved: a drama of ordinary people caught up in an unimaginable tragedy and of the healing power of hope and love.
Age
12-13
Length
320 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How do you think the characters' relationships evolve throughout the story?
What would you do if you were in a similar situation as the main characters?
How do the themes of love and loss in the book impact you personally?
What are some ways the characters cope with their challenges?
How does the story change your perspective on forgiveness and understanding?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start by sharing your own thoughts about the themes in the book to open a comfortable dialogue.
Encourage your child to express their feelings and thoughts, validating them as they share.
Use specific scenes or descriptions from the book to guide the discussion and reflect on similar real-life situations.
Ask your child to imagine alternative endings or different decisions made by the characters to deepen critical thinking.
Connect the discussion back to the child’s own experiences, helping them relate personally to the book’s topics.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Empathy and Understanding
Explanation: In 'All We Know of Heaven,' characters experience deep emotional challenges, which are portrayed with sensitivity and insight. Through their experiences, readers gain a deeper empathy for what it feels like to be in someone else's shoes.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson in real life by recognizing and respecting the feelings and perspectives of their peers, leading to more compassionate interactions.
Example Lesson: Resilience in adversity
Explanation: The story showcases characters who face significant trials and emerge stronger. Their journey through hardship teaches the importance of resilience and perseverance.
Real-World Application: When facing challenges, whether in school or in personal situations, children can remember the characters' resilience, motivating them to overcome obstacles and not be easily discouraged.
Example Lesson: The power of friendship
Explanation: Throughout the book, friendships play a crucial role in characters' lives, providing support and comfort during tough times. The story highlights how valuable and impactful a good friend can be.
Real-World Application: Children can see the importance of fostering strong, supportive friendships in their own lives, understanding that true friends are there for each other in both good times and bad.
Example Lesson: Coping with loss
Explanation: The novel addresses the theme of loss and the process of grieving in a very touching and realistic manner, offering insights into the healing process.
Real-World Application: This lesson can help children understand and process their feelings of loss, whether it's a pet, a loved one, or a change in life circumstances, and learn healthy ways to express and deal with their emotions.
Example Lesson: Importance of communication
Explanation: Characters in 'All We Know of Heaven' face additional challenges when they fail to communicate effectively. The story underscores the problems that can arise from misunderstandings and lack of open dialogue.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to express their thoughts and feelings openly and clearly in their interactions, reducing misunderstandings and fostering better relationships both at home and at school.