If You Read This
on Goodreads (478)
What’s inside...
When Brie was younger, her mama used to surprise her with treasure hunts around their island town. After she died three years ago, these became Brie’s favorite memories. Now, on her twelfth birthday, her mama has another surprise: a series of letters leading Brie on one last treasure hunt. The first letter guides Brie to a special place. The next urges her to unlock a secret. And the last letter will change life as she knows it. In this poignant coming-of-age story of new memories, surprises, and moments of healing, Kereen Getten beautifully captures the edge of adolescence, when everything is thrilling, amazing, and terrifying in a way it will never be again. This delightful coming-of-age story details a transformative experience, pairing vivid characters with an evocative setting and bringing readers on an unforgettable journey. Dazzling.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
8-12
Length
208 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How did the characters' relationships change throughout the story?
What choices would you have made if you were in the protagonist's place?
How do you think the secrets in the story affected the characters and their decisions?
What did you learn about friendship and trust from this book?
In what ways do you think the setting influenced the events in the story?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their feelings and thoughts about the story, affirming that all views are valid and valued.
Relate the themes of the book to your child’s personal experiences to make the discussion more relatable and impactful.
Ask your child to draw scenes or characters from the book to foster a deeper connection and understanding of the story.
Create a comfortable and distraction-free environment to keep your child engaged during the discussion.
Use examples from the book to teach moral and ethical lessons, guiding your child to apply these in their everyday life.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of curiosity and exploration
Explanation: The protagonist's journey in 'If You Read This' is fueled by her curiosity about her mother's past, leading her to uncover family secrets and learn more about herself.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to explore their own family histories and learn from the stories and experiences of their ancestors, promoting a deeper understanding of their personal and cultural identity.
Example Lesson: Value of perseverance
Explanation: Throughout the book, the main character faces various challenges but remains determined to uncover the truth, demonstrating resilience and determination.
Real-World Application: Teaches children the importance of not giving up in the face of difficulties, showing them that persistence is key to overcoming obstacles and achieving goals.
Example Lesson: Understanding and managing emotions
Explanation: As the protagonist discovers more about her family's past, she experiences a range of emotions. The book portrays her ways of coping and understanding these feelings effectively.
Real-World Application: Helps children recognize and articulate their emotions, and provides examples of healthy emotional management, fostering emotional intelligence.
Example Lesson: Empathy and understanding different perspectives
Explanation: The narrative presents multiple viewpoints, helping the reader see situations from various angles and understand the motivations behind different characters' actions.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to consider others' feelings and viewpoints, fostering empathy and improving their ability to interact compassionately in social situations.
Example Lesson: The significance of uncovering and preserving family stories
Explanation: The book highlights the importance of family legacies and the stories that shape them through the protagonist's discoveries.
Real-World Application: Motivates children to engage with their elders, ask questions about their family history, and preserve these valuable narratives for future generations.