All the Impossible Things
on Goodreads (2,605)
What’s inside...
A bit of magic, a sprinkling of adventure, and a whole lot of heart collide in All the Impossible Things, Lindsay Lackey's extraordinary middle-grade novel about a young girl navigating the foster care system in search of where she belongs. Wise and wondrous, this is truly a novel to cherish. An Indies Introduce Selection Red's inexplicable power over the wind comes from her mother. Whenever Ruby 'Red' Byrd is scared or angry, the wind picks up. And being placed in foster care, moving from family to family, tends to keep her skies stormy. Red knows she has to learn to control it, but can't figure out how. This time, the wind blows Red into the home of the Grooves, a quirky couple who run a petting zoo, complete with a dancing donkey and a giant tortoise. With their own curious gifts, Celine and Jackson Groove seem to fit like a puzzle piece into Red's heart. But just when Red starts to settle into her new life, a fresh storm rolls in, one she knows all too well: her mother. For so long, Red has longed to have her mom back in her life, and she's quickly swept up in the vortex of her mother's chaos. Now Red must discover the possible in the impossible if she wants to overcome her own tornadoes and find the family she needs.
Age
8-12
Length
384 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Ruby 'red' Byrd
Celine Groovy
Jackson Groovy
Discussion points
How did Red's experiences with her foster families change her perspective on family and belonging?
What role do you think the wind plays in the story, and what does it symbolize about Red's emotions?
Why is it important that Red finds a place where she feels safe and loved? How does this change her outlook on life?
Can you relate to any of the struggles Red faced? What would you have done in her situation?
How do the different characters in the book show their love and support for each other even in tough times?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start by sharing your own thoughts on the book’s theme of resilience and ask your child to do the same. This sets a comfortable tone for an open conversation. Validate your child's feelings and perspectives as they relate to the story, showing that their opinions are valued. Use examples from the book to discuss real-life scenarios, which can help your child apply the story's lessons to their own experiences. Encourage your child to imagine alternative endings for the story, or what they would do differently if they were in Red’s shoes, promoting critical thinking and empathy.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Resilience in the face of adversity
Explanation: The protagonist, Ruby, faces several challenges being shuffled around foster homes but learns to navigate her emotions and circumstances with strength.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to cope with difficulties in their own lives by developing resilience and a positive mindset, helping them to overcome obstacles.
Example Lesson: The power of love and connection
Explanation: Throughout the story, Ruby's relationships with her foster family and others around her underscore the impact of love, care, and connection in overcoming life's challenges.
Real-World Application: Children understand the importance of fostering strong relationships and can apply this by showing empathy, care, and support to those around them.
Example Lesson: The importance of hope
Explanation: As Ruby clings to the hope of reuniting with her mother, the narrative showcases how hope can be a powerful motivator during testing times.
Real-World Application: This teaches kids the value of maintaining hope and optimism, even in difficult situations, encouraging them to always look forward to better days.
Example Lesson: Self-discovery through challenges
Explanation: Ruby's personal growth throughout her trials illustrates how challenges often lead to self-discovery and personal development.
Real-World Application: This lesson can inspire children to embrace their own journeys of self-discovery and recognize that personal growth often comes through facing and overcoming challenges.