Firefly
Adobe EPUB eBook Series
on Goodreads (258)
What’s inside...
Firefly lived in the park across from her mother's home for safety. After a traumatic event leads to her mother's arrest, social services places Firefly with her Aunt Gayle, a costume shop owner. Adapting to a new life, Firefly grapples with PTSD, her sense of identity, and the meaning of home and family. Her journey explores the transformative power of costumes and self-expression. The book was a finalist for the 2021 Governor General’s Literary Award for Young People’s Literature - Text.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
9-12
Length
168 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Firefly
Aunt Gaynor
Tully
Discussion points
What do you think the fireflies symbolize in the story?
How do the characters change from the beginning to the end of the book?
Can you relate to any of the characters' feelings or experiences? Why or why not?
What do you think is the most important message of this story?
If you were in the story, what would you have done differently?
Tip: Role play these questions
Pause at pivotal moments in the story to ask your child how they think a character is feeling or what they might do next.
Encourage your child to express what they liked or disliked about the story and why.
Draw parallels between the story and your child’s own life experiences to deepen their understanding and connection to the themes.
Ask your child to imagine an alternative ending to the story, or what might happen next if the book continued.
After reading, encourage your child to create a drawing or a small project related to the story’s themes.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Courage in facing the unknown
Explanation: In 'Firefly,' the protagonist overcomes fear to explore mysterious areas, demonstrating bravery.
Real-World Application: Children learn to face new challenges in school or social settings with confidence and resilience.
Example Lesson: Value of friendship
Explanation: The characters in 'Firefly' support each other through difficulties, highlighting the strength in unity.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the importance of building supportive relationships and helping friends in need.
Example Lesson: Importance of curiosity and discovery
Explanation: The journey in 'Firefly' ignites curiosity in characters, driving them to discover new environments.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to ask questions and engage in learning activities to uncover new knowledge and insights.