Chill (Orca Soundings)
Orca Soundings Series
on Goodreads (101)
What’s inside...
Chill has always been different, but the way he deals with his disability and his art have given him the power to survive the horrors of high school. When a new teacher arrives, determined to crush his students' spirit, Chill decides to fight back and risk everything. A story of doing the right thing and standing up for yourself—and your friends.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
12-16
Length
128 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Marty "Chill"
Discussion points
How did the main character's challenge with his disability change over the course of the story?
Can you think of a time when you faced a difficult situation and how you handled it?
What do you think about the relationships between the characters in the book?
How do the interactions in the story teach us about empathy and understanding?
What would you have done differently if you were in the main character’s shoes?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start the conversation by sharing a personal story related to overcoming challenges to make your child feel more comfortable. Encourage your child to express their feelings about the book, and validate their thoughts and emotions. Link discussions to real-life scenarios to help them relate better. Ask open-ended questions to encourage critical thinking and deeper understanding. Finally, highlight the growth of the characters to inspire resilience in your child.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Understanding and managing emotions
Explanation: The book portrays the protagonist's journey through various emotional challenges, providing insight into handling feelings responsibly.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to recognize their emotions and employ strategies to cope with them effectively, promoting emotional intelligence.
Example Lesson: Importance of communication
Explanation: Through the interactions between characters, the story highlights how clear communication can resolve conflicts and strengthen relationships.
Real-World Application: Kids are encouraged to express their thoughts and feelings openly, enhancing their interpersonal skills and conflict resolution abilities.
Example Lesson: Resilience in adversity
Explanation: The protagonist faces significant challenges but learns to overcome them with perseverance, illustrating resilience.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by persisting through difficulties in school or social settings, learning that setbacks can be overcome with determination.
Example Lesson: Empathy and understanding others
Explanation: As characters in the book navigate their struggles, the story teaches empathy by showing the importance of understanding others' perspectives.
Real-World Application: This can help children appreciate diversity and foster inclusive attitudes, improving their social interactions and friendships.