Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close
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What’s inside...
Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close is a 2005 novel by Jonathan Safran Foer. The book's narrator is a nine-year-old boy named Oskar Schell, who lost his father in the September 11th attacks. Two years later, Oskar finds a key in a vase that belonged to his father and embarks on a journey throughout New York City to find information about the key. The novel explores themes of grief, loss, and healing, and is both funny and uplifting.
Age
13-14
Length
368 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Oskar Schell
Oskar'S Mother
Thomas Schell Sr. (Oskar'S Grandfather)
Oskar'S Grandmother
Thomas Schell
Discussion points
How does Oskar's adventure make you feel about dealing with difficult emotions?
What do you think about the different ways people in the book deal with loss?
Why do you think Oskar feels the need to find the lock that fits the key?
What does the phrase 'Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close' mean to you after reading this story?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their feelings about the story's events, not just recount them. Ask them how they might feel in Oskar's shoes.
Discuss the importance of empathy by exploring each character’s reactions to the events in the book.
Use real-world examples to connect the dots between the emotions depicted in the story and everyday situations your child might encounter.
Highlight the resilience demonstrated by the characters and ask your child how they might use similar strengths in their own life.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Resilience in the face of adversity
Explanation: The protagonist, a young boy named Oskar, demonstrates resilience as he deals with the loss of his father during the 9/11 attacks and embarks on a quest throughout New York City.
Real-World Application: Children can learn the importance of persevering through their personal challenges and the value of seeking support from others in tough times.
Example Lesson: Empathy and understanding
Explanation: As Oskar meets various people during his journey, he learns about their diverse life experiences and struggles, which deepens his empathy and understanding.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to appreciate diversity and practice empathy in their daily interactions, promoting a more inclusive attitude towards others' feelings and backgrounds.
Example Lesson: The importance of communication
Explanation: Throughout the book, the significance of expressing feelings and thoughts is highlighted through the characters’ interactions and the distances that grow when communication fails.
Real-World Application: Children can learn how essential it is to express their emotions and communicate openly with family and friends to maintain healthy relationships.
Example Lesson: Coping with loss
Explanation: The narrative provides a profound exploration of grief and the different ways individuals cope with loss, emphasizing the importance of finding personal ways to heal.
Real-World Application: It offers an opportunity for children to understand and develop their own coping mechanisms for loss and grief, fostering emotional resilience.
Example Lesson: Curiosity and the pursuit of knowledge
Explanation: Oskar's journey is driven by his relentless curiosity and his quest for answers about a key found in his father's belongings, illustrating the power of curiosity as a learning tool.
Real-World Application: This can inspire children to embrace their natural curiosity and explore the world around them, enhancing their cognitive and problem-solving skills.