Baby & Solo
on Goodreads (1,019)
What’s inside...
Seventeen-year-old Joel Teague has a new prescription from his therapist—a part-time job—the first step toward the elusive Normal life he’s been so desperate to live ever since The Bad Thing happened. Lucky for Joel, ROYO Video is hiring. It’s the perfect fresh start—Joel even gets a new name. Dubbed “Solo” after his favorite Star Wars character, Joel works his way up the not-so-corporate ladder without anyone suspecting What Was Wrong With Him. That is, until he befriends Nicole “Baby” Palmer, a smart-mouthed coworker with a chip on her shoulder about . . . well, everything, and the two quickly develop the kind of friendship movie montages are made of. However, when Joel’s past inevitably catches up with him, he’s forced to choose between preserving his new blank slate persona and coming clean—and either way, he risks losing the first real friend he’s ever had. Set in a pop-culture-rich 1990s, this remarkable story tackles challenging and timely themes with huge doses of wit, power, and heart.
Discussion points
How did the characters' experiences in the story make you feel?
What do you think are the main lessons Solo and Baby learn from each other?
Why is it important to have someone you can trust and confide in?
How do you think the story would change if it was set in today's world?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their feelings about the characters and their decisions, helping them connect emotionally with the story.
Discuss the importance of friendship and trust, relating it to personal experiences or situations your child might find themselves in.
Using the setting of the 1990s, ask your child how technology might have changed the dynamics between the characters if the story occurred today.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of friendship and support
Explanation: In 'Baby & Solo', the protagonist Solo navigates the challenges of his teenage years while working at a video rental store, forming crucial friendships that support him through personal trials.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to value and nurture friendships, understanding that a strong support system is vital during tough times.
Example Lesson: Coping with mental health issues
Explanation: Solo deals with significant mental health challenges, and the book sensitively portrays his journey towards understanding and managing his condition.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to be open about mental health, seek help when needed, and be supportive of peers facing similar issues.
Example Lesson: Responsibility and personal growth
Explanation: Through his job at the video rental store and his interactions with others, Solo learns the value of responsibility and the role it plays in personal development.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this by taking on appropriate responsibilities at home or in school to foster growth and self-reliance.
Example Lesson: Understanding and compassion
Explanation: The story showcases how characters learn to understand and accept one another’s differences and struggles.
Real-World Application: This lesson teaches children to practice empathy and compassion in their daily interactions, promoting a more inclusive environment.
Example Lesson: Resilience in the face of adversity
Explanation: Solo's journey is marked by various personal challenges, yet he learns to stay resilient and hopeful.
Real-World Application: Children learn the value of persistence and resilience, understanding that facing and overcoming challenges is part of growth.