Avalanche Dance
on Goodreads (35)
What’s inside...
Gwen lives for dancing and wants to take an expensive course far from home. She tries to convince her father during a skiing trip, but their argument is interrupted by a devastating avalanche that injures her dad. The aftermath leaves Gwen with guilt and injuries that threaten her dancing career. Her relationship with her best friend Molly, who has her own issues, adds complexity to her life. Gwen must reconcile with Molly, her family, and herself to regain the joy that dancing once brought her.
Age
12-17
Length
192 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Jordie
Todd
Discussion points
How do you think Taylor felt when she had to face her challenges after the accident? What would you do in her situation?
What are some ways Taylor's friends and family helped her adapt to her new life? Why is support important when facing difficulties?
Taylor uses dance as a way to express herself and overcome obstacles. What are some activities that make you feel better when you're facing a tough time?
The story shows us how Taylor grows and changes through her experiences. Can you think of a time when you learned something important from a challenge?
What does the title 'Avalanche Dance' signify in the book? What does it tell us about facing and overcoming challenges?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use emotive questions that place your child in Taylor's shoes to help them empathize with her situation and feelings.
Highlight the importance of support from friends and family as seen in the book, and relate it to your child’s own support system.
Discuss how participating in an activity they love can be a powerful way to handle challenges, drawing parallels from Taylor’s love for dance.
Encourage your child to talk about personal experiences with challenges and growth, fostering a deeper connection with Taylor’s journey.
After discussing, reinforce the concept of resilience shown in the book, and ask how your child might use this quality in their own life.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Resilience in the face of adversity
Explanation: In 'Avalanche Dance', the protagonist, Tara, demonstrates resilience as she learns to navigate life and skiing after becoming partially paralyzed.
Real-World Application: Children can learn the importance of overcoming challenges and adapting to new circumstances, which is crucial in building perseverance and strength in difficult situations.
Example Lesson: Empathy and understanding
Explanation: Through Tara’s interactions with her family and friends, readers see the importance of empathy as characters learn to understand Tara's new needs and emotions.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to be considerate and supportive of others who might be going through changes or challenges, fostering a more empathetic community.
Example Lesson: The power of determination
Explanation: Tara's journey to regain her skills in skiing, despite her disability, showcases her unwavering determination and effort.
Real-World Application: It teaches children the value of setting goals and working diligently towards achieving them, regardless of the obstacles they might face.
Example Lesson: Acceptance of self
Explanation: As Tara adjusts to her new reality, she learns to accept her changed self-image and embraces her capabilities and limits.
Real-World Application: This lesson aids children in understanding and accepting themselves as they are, promoting self-confidence and self-respect.