Hurt Go Happy
on Goodreads (2,635)
What’s inside...
Hurt Go Happy is a captivating novel by Ginny Rorby that tells the story of Joey Willis, a thirteen-year-old girl who has been deaf since the age of six. Despite her disability, Joey's mother has never allowed her to learn sign language, leaving her often excluded from conversations. Joey's life changes when she meets Dr. Charles Mansell and his baby chimpanzee, Sukari, who communicate using sign language. Joey secretly learns to sign and forms new friendships, experiencing happiness she never knew before. However, as her opportunities grow, the choices for Charlie and Sukari begin to diminish, putting Sukari's survival at risk. This Schneider Family Book Award-winning novel, inspired by a true story, explores themes of communication, friendship, and the determination to save a fellow creature.
Age
10-14
Length
272 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Joey Willis
Sukari
Dr. Charles Mansell
Ruth Willis
Discussion points
How did Joey's relationship with Sukari change her understanding of communication and empathy?
What does the story teach us about the importance of listening and understanding others, even if they're different from us?
In what ways do you think Joey's life was impacted by not being able to hear, and how did she overcome her challenges?
How do the actions of the characters in the book show the importance of courage and compassion?
What did you learn about the challenges faced by animals like Sukari? How do you feel about the treatment of animals after reading this book?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to put themselves in Joey’s shoes to better understand her experiences and emotions. Ask your child how they would feel in similar situations, and what actions they would take. Foster a discussion on the moral dilemmas presented in the book and guide your child to think critically about the consequences of actions taken by characters. Share personal experiences or similar stories that relate to the themes of empathy, courage, and compassion depicted in 'Hurt Go Happy'. This can help deepen the connection and understanding of the book’s messages. Highlight the emotional and psychological growth of characters throughout the story to show your child the value of personal development and understanding others.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Empathy
Explanation: In 'Hurt Go Happy', the protagonist, Joey, learns to communicate and understand her deaf gorilla friend, Sukari, forming a deep empathetic bond.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by learning to respect and understand the feelings and challenges of others, fostering a more inclusive and supportive environment.
Example Lesson: Resilience in the face of adversity
Explanation: Joey faces numerous challenges, including her hearing impairment and conflicts with her mother, but she overcomes them with courage and perseverance.
Real-World Application: This teaches children to remain resilient and persistent even when encountering difficulties, using creative solutions to overcome their challenges.
Example Lesson: Importance of communication
Explanation: The story highlights various forms of communication, such as sign language, demonstrating the importance of understanding and being understood.
Real-World Application: Children learn the value of clear communication and are encouraged to explore and respect various communication methods, enhancing their interpersonal skills.
Example Lesson: Advocacy for animal rights
Explanation: Through Joey's relationship with Sukari, the book explores themes of animal welfare and the ethical treatment of animals.
Real-World Application: This can inspire children to be more considerate and proactive about the rights and welfare of animals, promoting compassion and advocacy from a young age.