An Occasionally Happy Family
on Goodreads (491)
What’s inside...
Gordon Korman meets The Great Outdoors in this funny and moving debut about a boy who goes on a disastrous family vacation that involves sweltering heat, bear chases, and ends with his dad's new girlfriend. Theo Ripley has no enthusiasm for the family vacation to Big Bend National Park, especially since they will be camping and it's their first vacation since his mom passed away. The vacation is filled with challenges like intense heat, encounters with wild bears, and annoying fellow campers. However, the biggest shock comes when Theo's dad reveals that the vacation is a cover for introducing his secret new girlfriend. As it becomes apparent that she might become his stepmom, Theo struggles with his emotions and must find a way to communicate his feelings to his dad before his family changes forever.
Age
8-12
Length
224 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Theo
Laura
Dad
Lane
Discussion points
How do you think Theo feels about the family road trip and how would you feel in his situation?
What do you think makes a family 'occasionally happy' rather than 'always happy'?
Can you share a memorable family experience similar to Theo’s that made you feel a range of emotions?
How do the different family members contribute to their family dynamics? Do you see similar roles in our family?
What did you learn from the family’s adventures and misadventures during their trip?
Tip: Role play these questions
Begin the conversation by sharing a personal anecdote about a family trip, setting a comfortable and relatable tone.
Encourage your child to express both positive and negative emotions, validating their feelings as normal and understandable.
Connect the discussion to the child’s personal experiences with family dynamics and relationships to deepen their understanding and engagement.
Ask open-ended questions to encourage critical thinking and allow the child to express insights or connections they've made.
Highlight the growth and changes in the characters throughout the book to help your child understand the concept of development and resilience in families.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Importance of Family Bonding
Explanation: In 'An Occasionally Happy Family,' the characters embark on a road trip, which serves as a backdrop for the family to reconnect and address unresolved issues. Through shared experiences and open dialogues, they discover the strength of their familial ties.
Real-World Application: Children can learn the value of spending quality time with family, engaging in conversations, and participating in activities that strengthen their bond.
Example Lesson: Resilience in Facing Challenges
Explanation: The family faces several humorous yet challenging situations during their road trip. The characters demonstrate resilience by adapting to circumstances and maintaining a positive attitude despite setbacks.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by learning to stay optimistic and proactive when facing difficulties at school, in friendships, or during family issues.
Example Lesson: The Importance of Communication
Explanation: Throughout the story, characters learn the importance of expressing their feelings and listening to others. This open communication helps resolve misunderstandings and brings them closer.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the significance of talking about their feelings and listening to others in order to maintain healthy relationships with family and friends.
Example Lesson: Acceptance and Understanding
Explanation: As the family members reveal their vulnerabilities and quirks, they learn to accept and appreciate each other's unique traits, strengthening their family unit.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to embrace individual differences and practice acceptance and empathy towards others, fostering inclusivity and respect in their interactions.
Example Lesson: Adaptability
Explanation: The unpredictable events during the trip teach the family how to be flexible and adapt to new situations, an essential skill for personal growth and harmony.
Real-World Application: This lesson encourages children to be flexible in their daily lives, whether adjusting to a new school environment, trying different activities, or coping with changes in family dynamics.