Farther Than the Moon
on Goodreads (327)
What’s inside...
From award-winning author Lindsay Lackey comes Farther Than the Moon, a heartfelt story about a boy named Houston Stewart who dreams of becoming an astronaut and participating in the Junior Astronaut Recruitment Program. However, his journey is complicated by his deep bond with his younger brother, Robbie, who has cerebral palsy and epilepsy and cannot join Houston in his pursuit. As Houston navigates the challenges of the space camp and the absence of his brother, he makes new friends, encounters cosmic adventures, and reconnects with a long-lost grandfather. Despite realizing that Robbie may never physically join him in space, Houston remains committed to honoring his brother's dream and devises a brave new plan to reach for the stars.
Age
10-14
Length
336 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How did the characters' journey to 'farther than the moon' change their perspective on their own world?
What do you think is the most important lesson the characters learned during their adventure?
If you could go on a journey like the characters, what place would you choose to explore and why?
How do the friendships in the story help the characters overcome challenges?
What part of the book inspired you the most and how would you apply that inspiration to your own life?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start by sharing your own thoughts about the book, focusing on specific characters or events that intrigued you. This can make your child feel more comfortable and open to expressing their opinions.
Encourage your child to draw parallels between the book and their own experiences. This helps deepen their connection to the story and enhances personal reflection.
Ask your child to imagine alternative endings or continuations of the story. This not only stimulates creativity but also aids in developing problem-solving skills.
Highlight the moral or lesson of the story and discuss its relevance in real-world scenarios. This can help children understand the importance of values like courage, friendship, and determination.
End your discussion by planning a fun activity related to the theme of the book, such as creating a rocket ship model, to keep the conversation going and to reinforce the themes discussed.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Perseverance
Explanation: In 'Farther Than the Moon', the protagonist faces numerous challenges in their quest to build a rocket. Despite failures, they persist until they succeed.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of persistence in overcoming obstacles, whether it's completing a challenging puzzle or mastering a new skill in sports.
Example Lesson: Creativity and Innovation
Explanation: The protagonist employs creative problem-solving to design and refine their rocket, showcasing the power of innovative thinking.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to think outside the box and apply creative solutions to problems they encounter in school projects or in day-to-day dilemmas.
Example Lesson: Importance of Teamwork
Explanation: Building the rocket becomes a collaborative effort as friends and family pitch in, teaching the value of working together to achieve a common goal.
Real-World Application: Children learn to collaborate effectively with peers during group projects or team sports, understanding that collective effort can lead to success.
Example Lesson: Coping with Failure
Explanation: The protagonist experiences setbacks in their rocket-building project but learns to cope with disappointment and utilize it as a learning opportunity.
Real-World Application: This lesson helps children to deal with their own setbacks gracefully and learn from their mistakes, fostering resilience.
Example Lesson: Curiosity and Learning
Explanation: The protagonist's journey is driven by a curiosity about space and rocketry, emphasizing the joy and importance of learning new things.
Real-World Application: This motivates children to pursue their interests and passions with enthusiasm, encouraging lifelong learning and curiosity.