Comeback (Orca Soundings)
Orca Soundings Series
on Goodreads (187)
What’s inside...
Ria is rich, slim, pretty, and popular, seemingly leading a charmed life until her parents' marriage breaks up and her father disappears in a plane crash. Rumors surface that he may have been involved in a multimillion-dollar investment scam, causing everyone, including her best friends and boyfriend, to believe them. Ria takes her little brother and runs, vowing to keep her father's memory alive, but soon starts to question if her memories of him are accurate or if he is playing tricks on her.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
12-17
Length
136 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Cody
Discussion points
What did you think about the character's decision to confront his past? How would you have handled a similar situation?
How do the relationships in the book change from beginning to end? What does this tell us about forgiveness and growth?
The theme of 'comeback' is central to the book. Can you think of a time when you had to make a comeback or overcome a challenge?
What role do you think friendship plays in personal recovery? Discuss how the protagonist's friends influenced his journey.
How does the setting of the story impact the overall mood and the characters' actions? How important is setting in other stories you enjoy?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their thoughts and feelings about the book, trying to relate the scenarios to real-life situations they might have encountered. Highlight the importance of empathy by discussing the characters' emotions and decisions. Praise critical thinking by asking your child to imagine alternative endings or different choices the characters could have made. Make connections between the book and broader life lessons about resilience and the power of redemption.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Resilience in the face of challenges
Explanation: The protagonist faces numerous obstacles but demonstrates resilience by continually striving to overcome them.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to persist through difficulties in school or in social situations, understanding that challenges are part of growth.
Example Lesson: Importance of friendship and support
Explanation: Throughout the story, the protagonist relies on friends for support, highlighting the value of strong, supportive relationships.
Real-World Application: Children can be encouraged to build and maintain supportive friendships, understanding the positive impact these can have on overcoming personal challenges.
Example Lesson: Recognizing and correcting mistakes
Explanation: The protagonist makes mistakes but learns valuable lessons from them, emphasizing the importance of accountability and learning.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the importance of acknowledging their mistakes, learning from them, and striving to make better choices.
Example Lesson: Empathy and understanding
Explanation: As characters interact, they learn to understand each other’s perspectives, fostering empathy.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this by learning to consider the feelings and views of others in their interactions, promoting a more inclusive and understanding environment.
Example Lesson: Personal growth and self-discovery
Explanation: The protagonist’s journey highlights personal growth and the discovery of one’s capabilities and strengths.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to explore their own interests and abilities, helping them build self-confidence and a sense of identity.