Gussy
on Goodreads (89)
What’s inside...
Gussy knows that being a village Protector is a big job, even if Grandpa Widow makes the role look easy. So when Grandpa Widow is suddenly called to travel across the desert surrounding the village, and Gussy has to step into the role of Protector herself, she barely feels ready to perform the magical Rites that keep her village safe from the Great Doom, the mysterious power that threatens the residents in the lands outside. On her very first night in charge, a mysterious young girl arrives in search of shelter, forcing Gussy to break the number one rule of being a Protector: When the sun goes down, keep the gates shut. Soon it becomes clear that the Great Doom has managed to get inside the village walls. And as the villagers all look to Gussy for help, Gussy will have to turn to some surprising allies to save the only home she's ever known.
Age
8-12
Length
336 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think Gussy felt when he faced challenging situations? How would you feel in his place?
Can you describe a time when you had to be brave like Gussy? What did you do?
Gussy meets many interesting characters throughout his journey. Who was your favorite and why?
What is the most important lesson Gussy learns during his adventures? Do you think this lesson is important for you too?
If you could give Gussy one piece of advice, what would it be?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use open-ended questions that encourage more than a yes or no response, fostering deeper conversation and critical thinking.
Relate the book's themes to the child’s personal experiences to make the discussion more relatable and meaningful.
Encourage your child to imagine alternative endings or scenarios to enhance creative thinking.
Discuss the characteristics of various characters and relate them to real-life qualities, teaching values and empathy.
Be an active listener. Show interest in your child's responses and encourage them to elaborate on their thoughts.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Courage in facing fears
Explanation: In 'Gussy', the protagonist encounters various challenges that require bravery. Each situation is a test of Gussy's ability to overcome fear.
Real-World Application: Children learn that bravery isn't about not feeling scared, but about facing fears and overcoming obstacles. This helps them handle new or intimidating situations in real life.
Example Lesson: Value of friendship
Explanation: Throughout the story, Gussy is supported by friends during difficult times. This highlights the importance of friendship in achieving personal goals and facing life’s challenges.
Real-World Application: Children understand the significance of building strong, supportive relationships. It teaches them to be a good friend and to rely on others when needed.
Example Lesson: Importance of perseverance
Explanation: Gussy's journey is fraught with setbacks, yet he persists. His resilience in achieving his goal is a central theme.
Real-World Application: This lesson instills a 'never give up' attitude in children, emphasizing that persistence is key to overcoming difficulties and achieving success.
Example Lesson: Empathy and understanding
Explanation: Gussy learns to understand and empathize with characters who are different from him, seeing the world from their perspectives.
Real-World Application: This promotes emotional intelligence in children, teaching them to appreciate diversity and understand others' feelings and viewpoints.