An Elegy For Amelia Johnson
An Elegy For Amelia Johnson Series
What’s inside...
In her 30 years on earth, Amelia Johnson has touched many lives with her compassion, intelligence, and spirit. Now, at the end of a year-long battle with cancer, she asks her two closest friends, Henry Barrons and Jillian Webb, to take her final messages to the people who have touched her life the most. Henry, an Oscar-winning documentary filmmaker, and Jillian, an acclaimed magazine writer, set out across the country to fulfill Amelia's dying wish. Along the way, they learn more about Amelia and themselves than they ever imagined.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
11-12
Length
128 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Jillian Sewell
Henry Barrons
Amelia Johnson
Discussion points
How do you think Henry and Jillian felt when they were tasked with delivering Amelia's final messages?
What do you think is the importance of fulfilling a friend's last wish?
How can helping someone else, even in difficult times, affect our own feelings?
What did you learn from how the characters dealt with their emotions and challenges throughout the story?
How can we support our friends and loved ones in our own lives?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their thoughts and feelings about the story and relate to their own personal experiences.
Discuss the importance of friendship and empathy, and how they can be shown in daily life.
Talk about the characters' actions and decisions, asking your child what they might have done differently and why.
Use the story as an opportunity to discuss the topic of loss sensitively, focusing on the supportive roles friends and family play.
Praise your child for their insights and encourage them to think critically about the themes of the book.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The value of friendship
Explanation: In the story, Amelia’s friends Henry and Jillian undertake a journey to deliver her final messages, showcasing the depth of their friendship and commitment.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of supporting and cherishing friends, helping them build strong and healthy relationships.
Example Lesson: The significance of communication
Explanation: Amelia's messages help resolve lingering issues among her friends, highlighting how open communication can mend relationships.
Real-World Application: Teaches children to express their feelings and resolve conflicts through dialogue rather than keeping their thoughts to themselves.
Example Lesson: Understanding and dealing with loss
Explanation: The book deals with the theme of loss as friends cope with Amelia’s impending death, providing a sensitive portrayal of grief.
Real-World Application: Helps children understand and cope with loss, teaching them resilience and compassion in difficult times.
Example Lesson: The impact of legacy
Explanation: Amelia's decision to leave heartfelt messages illustrates how actions can significantly affect others, emphasizing the importance of considering long-term impacts.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to think about how their actions can positively influence others and the importance of leaving a positive legacy.