In the Wild Light
on Goodreads (11,331)
What’s inside...
Life in a small Appalachian town is not easy. Cash lost his mother to an opioid addiction and his Papaw is dying slowly from emphysema. Dodging drug dealers and watching out for his best friend, Delaney, is second nature. He’s been spending his summer mowing lawns while she works at Dairy Queen. But when Delaney manages to secure both of them full rides to an elite prep school in Connecticut, Cash will have to grapple with his need to protect and love Delaney, and his love for the grandparents who saved him and the town he would have to leave behind. From the award-winning author of The Serpent King comes a beautiful examination of grief, found family, and young love. NAMED ONE OF THE BEST BOOKS OF THE YEAR BY
Age
13-14
Length
432 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Cash Pruitt
Delaney Doyle
Papaw
Mamaw
Discussion points
How does the relationship between Cash and Delaney influence their individual growth throughout the story?
What role does nature play in the book, and how does it impact the characters' lives?
How do Cash’s feelings about his past affect his decisions and hopes for the future?
In what ways do the themes of friendship and resilience appear in the story?
What did you learn about facing challenges from Cash and Delaney's experiences?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start by sharing your own thoughts on the book's themes and ask your child to do the same, creating an open dialogue.
Encourage your child to relate their personal experiences to those of Cash and Delaney, which can provide deeper insight and connection.
Discuss the importance of setting goals and overcoming obstacles, as seen in the book, to instill motivational values.
Highlight the significance of support systems in achieving goals, prompting your child to think about who their support systems are.
Use descriptive scenes from the book to visualize and discuss the emotional landscape of the characters, enhancing empathy and understanding.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Value of Friendship
Explanation: The story demonstrates the deep bond between the two main characters, Cash and Delaney, as they navigate their personal challenges. Their unwavering support for one another showcases how important a good friend can be during tough times.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to appreciate and nurture their friendships, understanding how vital these relationships are in providing support and happiness in their lives.
Example Lesson: Importance of Education
Explanation: Through their journey to an elite high school, Cash and Delaney experience life-changing educational opportunities that open doors for their futures. This emphasizes the role of education in providing more possibilities and broadening one’s horizons.
Real-World Application: This lesson can motivate children to value and pursue their own educational opportunities, helping them see how learning can positively impact their future.
Example Lesson: Resilience in Adversity
Explanation: Cash’s personal struggles with his family’s history of addiction and the loss of his mother highlight his resilience. His ability to persevere and aim for a brighter future illustrates the power of inner strength.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to develop their own resilience in the face of challenges, understanding that perseverance can lead to overcoming personal obstacles and achieving goals.
Example Lesson: Embracing Change
Explanation: The characters’ transition from their small-town life to a prestigious school in a different environment illustrates how change can be both challenging and rewarding. This helps in understanding the importance of adapting and embracing new experiences.
Real-World Application: This lesson teaches children to be open to change and to see it as an opportunity for growth and new experiences, rather than something to fear.