Counting Thyme
What’s inside...
When eleven-year-old Thyme Owens’ little brother, Val, is accepted into a new cancer drug trial, it’s just the second chance that he needs. But it also means the Owens family has to move to New York, thousands of miles away from Thyme’s best friend and everything she knows and loves. The island of Manhattan doesn’t exactly inspire new beginnings, but Thyme tries to embrace the change for what it is: temporary. After Val’s treatment shows real promise and Mr. Owens accepts a full-time position in the city, Thyme has to face the frightening possibility that the move to New York is permanent. Thyme loves her brother, and knows the trial could save his life—she’d give anything for him to be well—but she still wants to go home, although the guilt of not wanting to stay is agonizing. She finds herself even more mixed up when her heart feels the tug of new friends, a first crush, and even a crotchety neighbor and his sweet whistling bird. All Thyme can do is count the minutes, the hours, and days, and hope time can bring both a miracle for Val and a way back home.
Age
10-11
Length
300 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Thyme Owens
Emily
Jake
Cori Owens
Val Owens
Mr. Owens
Mrs. Owens
Discussion points
How did Thyme's feelings change throughout the story, and what events influenced these changes?
Why do you think Thyme felt the need to take care of her brother? How does this show her love for her family?
Thyme had to move to a new city for her brother’s treatment. How would you feel in her situation, and what would you find most challenging?
The concept of time is important in the book. How do you think Thyme views time differently by the end of the story?
What does the title 'Counting Thyme' mean to you after reading the book?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use prompts that relate personally to the child’s experiences to make the themes of responsibility and change more relatable.
Discuss Thyme’s emotional journey to help your child understand empathy and the complexities of family dynamics.
Encourage your child to express their feelings about moving or major changes in life, drawing parallels to Thyme’s experiences in the story.
Highlight the growth of Thyme’s character and ask your child how they have grown or changed in recent times, emphasizing that change can be positive.
Focus on the significance of the title as a conversation point to delve deeper into the symbolic meaning of time in the book and in your child's own life.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Empathy and Compassion
Explanation: The protagonist, Thyme, navigates her brother’s serious illness and her family’s struggles, teaching readers about the importance of understanding and support during challenging times.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to recognize when someone else is going through a hard time and offer their support or understanding, fostering stronger relationships.
Example Lesson: Resilience in the Face of Change
Explanation: Thyme’s life changes drastically when her family moves across the country for her brother’s treatment. Her ability to adapt and find her place demonstrates resilience.
Real-World Application: This lesson helps children understand that change is a part of life and that adapting positively can lead to new opportunities and growth.
Example Lesson: Value of Family
Explanation: Throughout the book, the importance of family support and togetherness is highlighted as Thyme’s family navigates her brother’s illness.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to cherish and support their family members, understanding the unique role each person plays in their lives.
Example Lesson: Courage to Face Difficult Decisions
Explanation: Thyme often faces difficult choices, such as prioritizing her brother’s health over her desires. Such scenarios teach readers about the courage needed to make tough decisions.
Real-World Application: This can help children learn to make choices not just based on what they want, but considering the greater good for others around them.