Caleb
What’s inside...
Wonderfully illustrated, this well-written, unusual storyline tells of a teenage boy's metamorphosis. A gothic tale told in prose by a bookish, young university student. When he is assigned the precocious adolescent Caleb as his roommate it seems like disaster, but Caleb turns out to have amazing and gruesome talents.
Age
8-12
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Toby
Caleb
Toby'S Father
Discussion points
How do you think Caleb felt when he discovered the special power of his glasses? Can you think of a time when you discovered something surprising about yourself?
Why is it important to see things from different perspectives, just like Caleb did with his glasses?
Caleb’s glasses helped him change the way he saw the world. If you had magical glasses, what would you want to see differently and why?
What do you think is the main message of the story, and how can we apply it to our daily lives?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their thoughts and feelings about the story. Listen attentively to their responses to understand their perspective.
Relate the themes of the book to real-life situations your child might encounter, enhancing their ability to connect with the story deeply.
Ask your child to draw or write about what they would see through magical glasses, tapping into their creativity and linking it back to the book’s themes.
Promote empathy by discussing the different characters' viewpoints in the book and how understanding multiple perspectives can be beneficial.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Empathy and understanding
Explanation: In 'Caleb', the protagonist learns to understand and empathize with characters who are different from him, facilitating a journey of personal growth and reflection.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this understanding by learning to appreciate the feelings and perspectives of their friends and classmates, fostering a more inclusive and supportive environment.
Example Lesson: Courage in facing fears
Explanation: The story highlights moments where Caleb must confront and overcome his fears, demonstrating bravery.
Real-World Application: Kids are encouraged to face their own fears, whether it’s trying out for a school play or standing up for what is right, thus building their confidence and resilience.
Example Lesson: The importance of curiosity
Explanation: Caleb's adventures are driven by his curiosity about the world around him, which leads to important discoveries and lessons.
Real-World Application: This can inspire children to explore their own world, ask questions, and seek out knowledge, which are vital skills in education and personal development.
Example Lesson: Responsibility and care
Explanation: Caleb learns to take responsibility for his actions and care for the environment and people around him.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the value of responsibility and being considerate towards others and their surroundings, which are key aspects of social maturity and environmental awareness.