All the Things We Never Knew
on Goodreads (1,121)
What’s inside...
From the moment Carli and Rex first locked eyes on a Texas high school basketball court, they both knew it was destiny. But can you truly love someone else if you don’t love yourself? Acclaimed author Liara Tamani’s luminous second novel explores love, family, heartbreak, betrayal, and the power of healing, in gorgeous prose that will appeal to readers of Nicola Yoon and Jacqueline Woodson. A glance was all it took. That kind of connection, the immediate and raw understanding of another person, just doesn’t come along very often. And as rising stars on their Texas high schools’ respective basketball teams, destined for bright futures in college and beyond, it seems like a match made in heaven. But Carli and Rex have secrets. As do their families. Liara Tamani, the author of the acclaimed Calling My Name, follows two Black teenagers as they discover how first love, heartbreak, betrayal, and family can shape you—for better or for worse. A novel full of pain, joy, healing, and hope for fans of Elizabeth Acevedo, Jacqueline Woodson, and Jenny Han. 'Tamani masterfully bounces and slams two hearts up and down a shrouded court of first love and revelations. A hard-to-put-down backboard-breaker.'
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
13-17
Length
384 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How did the main characters' discoveries about their pasts change their understanding of themselves?
What do you think are the challenges of falling in love for the first time?
In what ways do the characters in the book support each other through their personal struggles?
How do you think communication plays a role in the characters' relationships?
What did you learn about forgiveness and second chances from the story?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start the discussion by sharing a personal anecdote about your own experiences with first love or discovering something significant about your past to make the conversation relatable.
Encourage your child to express their feelings about the book’s events and characters, validating their opinions without interjecting your own thoughts immediately.
Ask follow-up questions based on your child’s responses to delve deeper into their thoughts and emotions about the story.
Relate the themes of the book to real-life situations your child might encounter, promoting empathy and understanding.
Conclude with asking what lesson they might take away from the book, prompting them to apply the book's messages in their own lives.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Importance of Communication
Explanation: The characters in 'All the Things We Never Knew' struggle with expressing their thoughts and emotions, leading to misunderstandings. Their journey highlights the importance of open communication.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to express their feelings and thoughts more openly with friends and family, helping to build stronger relationships and resolve conflicts peacefully.
Example Lesson: Self-discovery and Personal Growth
Explanation: Throughout the story, the protagonists explore their own interests and passions, which plays a crucial role in their individual development.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to pursue their interests and accept their evolving identities, promoting confidence and self-awareness.
Example Lesson: Resilience in the Face of Challenges
Explanation: The book shows characters facing setbacks and emotional challenges, yet they learn to cope and come out stronger.
Real-World Application: Teaches children the value of perseverance and resilience, preparing them to face life’s challenges with a positive attitude.
Example Lesson: Empathy and Understanding Others
Explanation: As characters in the book learn more about each other’s lives and backgrounds, they develop deeper empathy and understanding.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of seeing situations from others' perspectives, fostering empathy and improving interpersonal relationships.
Example Lesson: Consequences of Actions
Explanation: The story conveys how choices and actions can affect ourselves and others, emphasizing the need to think before acting.
Real-World Application: Helps children understand the importance of considering the consequences of their actions on both themselves and others.