If You Could See the Sun: (First Time Trade)
on Goodreads (46,642)
What’s inside...
In this speculative YA debut, a Chinese American girl named Alice Sun discovers she has the ability to turn invisible at her elite Beijing international boarding school. As the only scholarship student among wealthy peers, Alice has always felt unnoticed. When her family can no longer afford her tuition, Alice decides to use her new powers to uncover and sell her classmates' scandalous secrets for money. However, as the secrets escalate into actual crimes, she faces moral dilemmas that challenge her conscience and put her life at risk.
Age
16-19
Length
320 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Alice Sun
Henry Li
Discussion points
How do you think the main character felt when they discovered their unique ability?
What would you do if you had the same ability as the character in the book?
How do the friends in the story help each other, and why is that important?
Can you think of a time when you discovered something new about yourself? How did it change how you felt?
What do you think is the main message of the story, and why is it important?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to put themselves in the protagonist’s shoes, imagining how they would feel and react in similar situations.
Discuss the value of friendship and teamwork as showcased in the book, relating it to your child’s personal experiences with friends.
Ask your child to think of a unique ability they wish they had and discuss the potential benefits and challenges it might bring.
Relate the book’s themes to real-life scenarios in your child’s world, enhancing their ability to connect stories with reality.
Praise your child’s responses and insights during the discussion to build their confidence in expressing their thoughts and opinions.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Empathy and understanding
Explanation: The protagonist, navigating through invisible hardships, showcases the importance of understanding unseen struggles of others.
Real-World Application: Children learn to be mindful and considerate of the feelings and experiences of their peers, even those not immediately apparent.
Example Lesson: Courage in adversity
Explanation: The character’s journey highlights the courage required to face difficult situations and to make hard decisions while being invisible.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to be brave when they encounter personal challenges and to always strive to overcome them.
Example Lesson: Importance of honesty
Explanation: Through the plot, the value of being truthful even when one could easily deceive others is emphasized.
Real-World Application: Teaches children to value honesty in their everyday interactions and understand the impact of deceit.
Example Lesson: Self-acceptance
Explanation: The story conveys a message about accepting oneself, invisible flaws and all.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to embrace their unique traits and imperfections, fostering a positive self-image.
Example Lesson: Impact of isolation
Explanation: It explores the emotional impact of feeling alone and invisible.
Real-World Application: Helps children understand the importance of social connections and being there for others who might feel isolated or left out.