on Goodreads (34)
What’s inside...
Twelve-year-old Robin is struggling with her mother's death and her father's decision to move the family to a small town. After being bullied at her new school, Robin becomes withdrawn and decides not to care about anyone or anything. However, her perspective changes when she saves her pregnant dog from a frozen lake. This act of bravery leads her to start rescuing wild animals and rehabilitating them in a barn. Despite her father's disapproval, Robin continues to rescue animals, eventually running an illegal animal shelter. When the town discovers her shelter, they try to shut it down, but Robin fights to keep it open, proving that even a 12-year-old can make a difference for animals.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
9-12
Length
274 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Robin
Zoey
Discussion points
What do you think the wolf feels when it howls? Can you relate to any of those feelings?
Why do you think the wolf needs the forest? What does the forest represent for you?
How do you think the story would change if the wolf couldn't howl anymore?
What can we learn from the wolf’s relationship with other animals in the forest?
Tip: Role play these questions
While discussing the wolf's feelings, encourage your child to express personal experiences when they felt similar emotions. This helps in understanding the character's perspective and emotional depth.
Link the conversation to real-life examples of environmental conservation, by discussing the importance of forests and wildlife in our world, paralleling the wolf's need for the forest.
Ask your child to imagine alternative scenarios in the story to develop creative thinking. For example, what would happen if the wolf met other characters from different stories?
Create a small project, like drawing scenes from the book or creating a forest collage, to make the reading more interactive and enhance their connection with the story.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Resilience Through Challenges
Explanation: In 'Howl', the protagonist faces various hardships but continuously strives to overcome them, embodying resilience.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to persist and adapt in the face of difficulties, whether it be in school, sports, or social situations.
Example Lesson: Importance of Family and Friendship
Explanation: The story highlights the strength and support the main character receives from family and friends, stressing the value of these relationships.
Real-World Application: This can encourage children to cherish and seek support from their own relationships with family and friends in times of need.
Example Lesson: Connecting with Nature
Explanation: ‘Howl’ emphasizes the protagonist's deep connection with the natural world, which plays a crucial role in their journey.
Real-World Application: This can inspire children to explore and appreciate the environment, fostering a sense of responsibility towards nature.
Example Lesson: Courage to Face the Unknown
Explanation: The character often encounters unknown challenges, facing them with courage and determination.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to approach new experiences and challenges with bravery, helping them grow and gain confidence.
Example Lesson: Empathy Towards Others
Explanation: Throughout the book, empathy is a recurring theme as characters understand and share the feelings of others.
Real-World Application: This can teach children the importance of empathy, improving their interactions and relationships with peers.