Candidly Cline
on Goodreads (398)
What’s inside...
A must-read for fans of Julie Murphy and Ashley Herring Blake, this queer coming-of-age story from critically acclaimed author Kathryn Ormsbee sings with heart, warmth, and hope. An ALA Rainbow Book List selection! Born in Paris, Kentucky, and raised on her gram’s favorite country music, Cline Alden is a girl with big dreams and a heart full of song. When she finds out about a young musicians’ workshop a few towns over, Cline sweet-talks, saves, and maybe fibs her way into her first step toward musical stardom. But her big dreams never prepared her for the butterflies she feels surrounded by so many other talented kids—especially Sylvie, who gives Cline the type of butterflies she’s only ever heard about in love songs. As she learns to make music of her own, Cline begins to realize how much of herself she’s been holding back. But now, there’s a new song taking shape in her heart—if only she can find her voice and sing it. 'Empowering, affirming, and sweet as all get-out.' -Lisa Jenn Bigelow, author of Drum Roll, Please
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
8-12
Length
320 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What challenges did Cline face and how do you think she felt during those moments?
How did Cline’s passion for music help her navigate her struggles?
What role do friends and family play in Cline’s journey? How important are supportive relationships in overcoming obstacles?
Cline makes some bold decisions in the book. What would you have done in her situation and why?
What did you learn from Cline’s story that you can apply in your own life?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start the conversation by sharing your own thoughts on the book and its themes, showing your child that you’re genuinely interested.
Encourage your child to express their feelings and thoughts about the book’s events and characters, reinforcing that their opinions are valued.
Relate the situations in the book to real life, asking your child if they have ever experienced anything similar and how they dealt with it.
Praise your child for their insights and contributions to the discussion, boosting their confidence and encouraging them to share more.
End the conversation by asking your child how the story could relate to their own future, making the connection between the book’s lessons and your child’s personal growth.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Empathy and Understanding
Explanation: Cline learns to understand and empathize with her friends' diverse challenges and backgrounds, which helps her build stronger, more meaningful relationships.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by learning to listen and understand their peers' feelings and perspectives, fostering compassion and inclusivity.
Example Lesson: Perseverance and Resilience
Explanation: Despite facing personal and family struggles, Cline shows determination in pursuing her passion for music. This resilience demonstrates the power of perseverance in overcoming obstacles.
Real-World Application: Kids can be encouraged to persist in their efforts, whether in academics, sports, or hobbies, even when faced with challenges.
Example Lesson: Importance of Self-Expression
Explanation: Through her journey, Cline discovers the importance of expressing herself through music, which allows her to communicate her emotions and connect with others.
Real-World Application: Encouraging children to find and use their own voice can help them express their feelings in a healthy way and build their confidence.
Example Lesson: Valuing Family and Community
Explanation: Cline's connection with her family and community plays a crucial role in her growth and success, illustrating the importance of support networks.
Real-World Application: This lesson can teach children to appreciate and seek support from family and friends, understanding that no one has to face difficulties alone.
Example Lesson: The Power of Dreams
Explanation: Cline's journey towards a music career showcases the importance of dreaming big and the transformative power of ambition.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to set goals and dream big, understanding that with hard work and dedication, they can achieve great things.