Always, Clementine
on Goodreads (491)
What’s inside...
From the author of I, Cosmo comes a humor-filled, heart-tugging tale of a genius mouse, secretly freed from a lab, who's in search of a real home—and a way to free her old friends. Clementine is different from other mice: she can calculate the speed of light and she dreams in Latin. The scientists say she's a genius and put her through test after test. Clementine is proud of being a good lab mouse, but she's lonely. Her only snatches of friendship occur during her late-night visits with a chimpanzee named Rosie. When a compassionate lab technician frees Clementine, the mouse discovers an outside world full of wonders: Brussels sprouts, games of speed chess, television fame, and a chance for a real home. But for Clementine, it's not enough to be free when she knows that Rosie and the other mice are not. This tender, lively adventure story, narrated in letters from a mouse to a chimpanzee, shows us that goodness is something we have to define for ourselves—and that courage and wisdom aren't proportionate to size.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
8-12
Length
304 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How do you think Clementine felt when she faced challenges? Can you relate to her feelings?
What are some of the ways Clementine helped her friends? What does this tell us about her as a character?
Can you think of a time when you had to make a difficult decision like Clementine? What did you do?
How did Clementine change from the beginning of the book to the end? What caused these changes?
What is the most important lesson Clementine learned? How can you apply this lesson in your own life?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their thoughts and feelings about the story, relating it to their own experiences.
Ask your child to draw parallels between the book's scenarios and their personal life, enhancing their empathy and understanding.
Foster an environment where your child feels comfortable discussing their opinions and changing views as the story progresses.
Highlight the moral lessons and character developments within the story to instill values.
Discuss the characters' actions and decisions, asking your child what they might have done differently, promoting critical thinking.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The value of friendship
Explanation: Throughout the book, Clementine navigates various challenges with the help of her friends, underscoring the importance of having trustworthy and caring companions.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to cultivate and value friendships in their own lives, understanding the support and joy that friends can bring during difficult times.
Example Lesson: Perseverance in the face of adversity
Explanation: Clementine shows determination and resilience when faced with obstacles, teaching readers that persistence is key to overcoming difficulties.
Real-World Application: This lesson encourages children to keep trying, even when tasks seem challenging, fostering a resilient mindset that is crucial for personal growth.
Example Lesson: The importance of honesty
Explanation: Clementine learns to be truthful, and the story highlights how honesty strengthens relationships and builds trust.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to practice honesty in their daily interactions, recognizing that being truthful is fundamental to gaining and maintaining the trust of others.
Example Lesson: Empathy and understanding
Explanation: Clementine often steps into the shoes of others to understand their feelings and perspectives, which enhances her relationships and decision-making.
Real-World Application: This can teach children to be empathetic towards others' feelings, helping them develop healthier interpersonal skills and emotional intelligence.
Example Lesson: Creativity as a problem-solving tool
Explanation: Clementine uses her creativity to solve problems creatively, showcasing that thinking outside the box can lead to successful outcomes.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to use their imagination and creativity to approach problems in innovative ways, boosting their problem-solving skills.