If a Tree Falls at Lunch Period
on Goodreads (2,791)
What’s inside...
Two worlds collide in one compelling story set in a suburban American middle-school. Kirsten's world is crumbling as her parents barely communicate and her best friend falls under the influence of the queen bee, Brianna. Meanwhile, Walker is trying to survive at a predominantly white private school that his mother enrolled him in, fearing he would follow in his cousin's troubled footsteps. Despite the challenges, both Walker and Kirsten are good kids, with Walker befriending Matteo, who is inexplicably devoted to Brianna. When Kirsten and Walker uncover a shocking secret, their worlds are shaken to the core, leading to a confrontation with painful truths.
Age
0-12
Length
216 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Kirsten Mckenna
Walker Jones
Brianna
Mrs. Mckenna
Discussion points
How did the characters' differences in background influence their friendship? What does this teach us about friendship in real life?
What challenges did Kirsten and Walk face in the story, and how did they handle them? What can we learn from their responses?
The story addresses issues of bullying and social status. Have you ever witnessed or experienced something similar? How did it make you feel?
In what ways do the characters in the book grow or change by the end? What do you think caused those changes?
How did the secrets revealed in the story affect the characters and their relationships? What does this tell us about honesty and trust?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use empathetic listening when discussing the characters’ experiences, relating them to real-life scenarios your child might encounter.
Encourage your child to express their feelings about the book’s events, fostering an open and supportive conversation environment.
Highlight the importance of diversity and acceptance, drawing parallels between the book’s themes and real-world values.
Ask your child to consider how they might have reacted in similar situations as the characters, promoting critical thinking and empathy.
Discuss the resolution of conflicts in the book and ask your child about alternative ways the characters might have handled their challenges.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Empathy and Understanding
Explanation: The characters in 'If a Tree Falls at Lunch Period' come from different backgrounds which initially leads to misunderstandings and conflicts. As they learn more about each other's lives, they develop empathy and understanding.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by taking the time to learn about and understand people who are different from them, fostering inclusiveness and reducing prejudice.
Example Lesson: Coping with Bullying
Explanation: The book addresses issues of bullying through its characters, who experience and witness bullying in school. It shows different strategies the characters use to cope with and confront these situations.
Real-World Application: This lesson can help children recognize bullying and equip them with strategies to deal with it, whether they are bystanders or victims.
Example Lesson: Importance of Honesty
Explanation: Throughout the story, secrets and lies complicate situations and relationships. The characters learn that honesty leads to easier resolutions and better understanding between people.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to value honesty in their interactions and see how being truthful helps in building trust and resolving conflicts.
Example Lesson: Value of Friendships
Explanation: The book portrays the development of friendships between characters who initially seem very different. These friendships provide support and help the characters to overcome various challenges.
Real-World Application: This lesson highlights the importance of friendships in personal growth and support during tough times, encouraging children to nurture their relationships.
Example Lesson: Self-Acceptance
Explanation: Characters in the story struggle with personal and family issues that affect their self-esteem. Through their experiences, they learn to accept themselves and embrace their unique qualities.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to appreciate themselves as they are and understand that everyone has challenges, fostering self-confidence and resilience.