First Time (Orca Soundings)
Orca Soundings Series
on Goodreads (211)
What’s inside...
Haley and Lynn are best friends. When Lynn meets Chad, a player several years older, Haley feels left out. She tries to be happy for her friend, but when her mother's new boyfriend starts making unwanted advances, Haley finds she has no one to tell. Not wanting to upset her mother's happiness and finding that Lynn is drifting away, Haley has to face her tormentor alone and face up to some very hard truths.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
12-17
Length
128 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Haley
Discussion points
How did Sarah’s experiences in the book change her understanding of friendship?
What emotions do you think Sarah felt during her confrontation and how would you feel in a similar situation?
How does the book address the idea of resilience and standing up for what you believe is right?
What are some ways that Sarah could have handled her challenges differently?
Why is it important to have trusting relationships with adults like teachers or parents?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage open-ended responses to prevent yes or no answers, fostering deeper reflection on the book's themes.
Ensure a non-judgmental environment where children feel safe to express their thoughts and emotions.
Relate discussions to the child’s own life experiences to personalize lessons from the book, enhancing comprehension and relatability.
Highlight the importance of empathy by discussing characters' emotions and how they managed them.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Empathy and understanding
Explanation: The protagonist in 'First Time' experiences complex emotions and situations that teach readers about the importance of understanding others' feelings.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this by recognizing emotions in others and responding with kindness and support in their daily interactions.
Example Lesson: Resilience in adversity
Explanation: The challenges faced by the characters showcase how resilience is crucial when dealing with difficult circumstances.
Real-World Application: Kids can learn to persist through their personal challenges, understanding that overcoming obstacles is a part of growth and development.
Example Lesson: Importance of consent
Explanation: The book addresses significant themes surrounding personal boundaries and the importance of consent, educating young readers on respectful interpersonal interactions.
Real-World Application: This lesson prepares children to assert their own boundaries and respect others', fostering healthy relationships.
Example Lesson: Consequences of actions
Explanation: As characters in the book make choices, the outcomes teach readers about accountability and consequences.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to think critically about the effects their actions may have on themselves and others.