Five Things They Never Told Me
on Goodreads (196)
What’s inside...
In 'Five Things They Never Told Me,' author Rebecca Westcott tells the story of a young girl named Erin who is struggling to find her place in the world. Feeling overshadowed by her more outgoing sister and dealing with the complexities of her family life, Erin is sent to spend her summer helping out at a local garden center. There, she meets an elderly woman named Martha, who is full of stories and wisdom. As Erin listens to Martha and helps her with the garden, she learns valuable life lessons and begins to see the world in a different light. The book explores themes of friendship, family, self-discovery, and the unexpected connections that can change our lives. It is a coming-of-age story that highlights the importance of listening to the stories of others and finding one's own voice amidst the noise of everyday life.
Age
8-12
Length
304 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How do you think Erin felt when she realized she could learn from Martha? Can you relate to a time you learned something from someone unexpected?
What does friendship mean in this story? Who would you consider a true friend and why?
Erin and Martha come from different generations. What can we learn from people who are much older or younger than us?
Why do you think the author chose to tell this story from Erin’s point of view? How might the story change if it was told from Martha’s perspective?
What are the 'five things' mentioned in the title, and why are they important for Erin and Martha?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to think about and express their feelings about the book’s events, relating them to their own experiences.
Discuss the significance of generational friendships, and ask your child about relationships they have with people of different ages.
Prompt your child to think about perspective by asking how they would feel or react in the characters' situations.
After discussing the 'five things,' encourage your child to come up with their own list of important life lessons they've learned.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Empathy and Understanding
Explanation: The protagonist, Erin, learns to see the world through the eyes of others, including her friend with a disability and her grandmother struggling with age-related issues. This helps her build stronger, more compassionate relationships.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by being considerate and understanding towards their peers and family members who may be facing challenges, promoting a more inclusive and supportive community.
Example Lesson: Adapting to Change
Explanation: Throughout the book, Erin must adapt to significant changes in her life, including shifting dynamics in her family and friendships. Her journey teaches resilience and the ability to embrace change.
Real-World Application: This lesson equips children to handle transitions and changes in their own lives, such as moving to a new school or dealing with evolving friendships, with grace and flexibility.
Example Lesson: Importance of Communication
Explanation: Erin learns the value of open and honest communication as she navigates her relationships. The story emphasizes how misunderstandings can be cleared and relationships can be strengthened through effective communication.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to express their feelings and thoughts openly and respectfully, aiding them in building strong interpersonal relationships and preventing conflicts.
Example Lesson: Self-Discovery and Personal Growth
Explanation: As Erin faces various challenges and meets new people, she learns more about her own strengths and weaknesses. This self-discovery journey is pivotal in her personal development.
Real-World Application: Encouraging children to explore different hobbies, friendships, and academic interests can lead to better self-awareness and confidence in their capabilities.
Example Lesson: Valuing Diverse Perspectives
Explanation: The book showcases a range of perspectives from different characters, highlighting the richness that diverse opinions bring to understanding situations.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to appreciate and seek out different viewpoints in school projects or discussions, fostering a more holistic understanding of the world around them.