Belzhar
on Goodreads (15,225)
What’s inside...
If life were fair, Jam Gallahue would still be at home in New Jersey with her sweet British boyfriend, Reeve Maxfield. She’d be watching old comedy sketches with him. She’d be kissing him in the library stacks. She certainly wouldn’t be at The Wooden Barn, a therapeutic boarding school in rural Vermont, living with a weird roommate, and signed up for an exclusive, mysterious class called Special Topics in English. But life isn’t fair, and Reeve Maxfield is dead. Until a journal-writing assignment leads Jam to Belzhar, where the untainted past is restored, and Jam can feel Reeve’s arms around her once again. But there are hidden truths on Jam’s path to reclaim her loss. From New York Times bestselling author Meg Wolitzer comes a breathtaking and surprising story about first love, deep sorrow, and the power of acceptance.
Age
14-17
Length
264 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Jamaica Gallahue (Jam)
Sierra
Dj
Marc
Griffin
Mrs. Quenell
Discussion points
How did Jam’s experiences at The Wooden Barn change her perspective on dealing with grief and loss?
What role do the journals play for the characters, and how might expressing yourself in writing help with personal challenges?
Why do you think the author chose the title 'Belzhar'? How does it relate to the characters' journeys in the story?
Discuss the significance of the relationships formed at The Wooden Barn. How do they impact the characters’ growth?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their thoughts and feelings about the book’s themes, such as grief and recovery, by relating them to personal experiences or feelings they might have encountered.
Highlight the importance of empathy and understanding by discussing the different ways characters in the book cope with their challenges.
Promote critical thinking by asking your child what they would have done differently if they were in the characters' shoes and why.
Use specific scenes or dialogues from the book to initiate discussions, making the conversation more vivid and relatable.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Coping with Loss
Explanation: In 'Belzhar', the protagonist Jam Gallahue deals with the profound loss of her boyfriend Reeve. Through her experiences at a therapeutic boarding school, she learns to process her grief and move forward.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by understanding that grief is a natural response to loss and that talking about their feelings and seeking support can help them heal.
Example Lesson: Empathy and Understanding
Explanation: The students in 'Belzhar' come from diverse backgrounds and each has their own emotional battles. The narrative encourages understanding and forming connections despite differences.
Real-World Application: This lesson teaches children the value of empathy. They can learn to listen to their peers' experiences and perspectives, fostering a more inclusive and supportive environment.
Example Lesson: The Power of Self-Expression
Explanation: Through writing in their journals, the characters in 'Belzhar' discover the therapeutic power of expressing their inner thoughts and emotions.
Real-World Application: Children can use journals or other forms of art to express themselves. This helps in managing emotions and clarifying thoughts.
Example Lesson: Resilience in the Face of Challenges
Explanation: Jam and her peers face various mental health challenges. Throughout 'Belzhar', they learn to confront their issues and work towards healing, demonstrating resilience.
Real-World Application: This lesson encourages children to persevere through their personal challenges. Understanding that obstacles are part of life and can be overcome teaches resilience and determination.