Finding Tom
#1 of 203 in OverDrive Read Series
on Goodreads (8)
What’s inside...
A tale of grief, faith, and hope, follows the life of teenager Tom Weston as he strives to make sense of his shattered world. Given an opportunity to escape Podunk Greenwood and his past, he finds himself at the gates of the highly prestigious Locklear University. With the comical Dr. Emory as his friend and mentor, Tom struggles to survive in this strange new world ruled by the despicable Dean of students. Tom and wealthy roommate, Charles Montgomery, are fatefully paired to tackle the pressures of school, family, and their impending futures as they join a mysterious secret society together. When blonde bombshell Julia Stine walks into the picture things only get more complicated.
Discussion points
What do you think Tom learned during his adventure?
How did Tom's feelings change throughout the story?
Why do you think Tom decided to take on such a big journey?
How would you have reacted if you were in Tom's place?
What does friendship mean to you, and how did it show up in the story?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their feelings about the book by using descriptive words.
Ask open-ended questions to understand your child's perspective and make connections to real-life scenarios.
Relate the themes of the book to personal experiences, enhancing understanding and empathy.
Discuss the character's emotions and actions, and ask your child how they would act differently in similar situations.
Highlight the importance of perseverance and friendship as seen in Tom's adventure.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of teamwork
Explanation: In 'Finding Tom,' the characters must work together to solve the mystery of Tom’s disappearance. This collaboration is essential to their success.
Real-World Application: Children learn that cooperating with others can lead to achieving common goals, which is crucial in school projects and family activities.
Example Lesson: Resilience in the face of challenges
Explanation: Throughout the book, characters encounter various obstacles but persist in their quest. Their determination is a key factor in finding Tom.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the value of persistence and not giving up when facing difficulties, be it in their academic or personal life.
Example Lesson: Empathy and understanding different perspectives
Explanation: As the characters interact with different suspects and witnesses, they learn about differing viewpoints and motives, which helps them solve the puzzle.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to consider others' feelings and perspectives, fostering empathy and better communication skills in real-world social interactions.
Example Lesson: The power of curiosity
Explanation: The protagonists' curiosity fuels their investigation and leads them to uncover important clues. Their inquisitive nature is portrayed positively.
Real-World Application: Promotes an inquisitive mindset in children, encouraging them to explore, ask questions, and actively learn from the world around them.