Isaiah Dunn Is My Hero
#1 of 2 in Isaiah Dunn Series
on Goodreads (1,435)
What’s inside...
A coming-of-age tale about a boy named Isaiah who discovers a love of poetry after finding his late father's journal. As he navigates the challenges of being the man of the house and dealing with his inquisitive sister, silent mother, and mischievous friends, Isaiah finds solace and strength in his father's stories about a superhero named Isaiah Dunn who gets his powers from beans and rice. Adapted from a story in Flying Lessons & Other Stories, this narrative showcases how Isaiah channels superhero courage and the help of his sidekicks to face life's toughest obstacles.
Character compass
Isaiah Dunn
Charlie Dunn
Mama Dunn
Sneaky
Discussion points
What do you think makes Isaiah Dunn a hero in the story?
How do you think Isaiah feels about his family and friends throughout the book?
Can you share a time when you felt like you needed to be strong for your family or friends like Isaiah?
What were some of Isaiah’s dreams and how did he work towards them?
How do you think the story would change if it was set in our hometown?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their feelings about the book’s events, relating them to their personal experiences.
Highlight Isaiah's qualities and discuss with your child how they can apply similar characteristics in their own life.
Facilitate a discussion about perseverance and setting goals, drawing parallels to Isaiah’s aspirations and the obstacles he faces.
Ask your child to imagine alternative scenarios in the book, enhancing their creative thinking and empathy towards the characters.
Create a comfortable and open environment where your child feels safe to discuss difficult topics such as loss and resilience portrayed in the book.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Resilience in the face of adversity
Explanation: Isaiah Dunn encounters numerous challenges, including the loss of his father and difficulties at home. He shows resilience by finding solace and strength in his father's writings and striving to protect and provide for his family.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to navigate their own hardships with determination and can find healthy outlets for their emotions and stresses, much like Isaiah finds comfort in his father's journals.
Example Lesson: The importance of family and support networks
Explanation: Throughout the book, the support from Isaiah’s mother and sister, as well as his friends, plays a crucial role in helping him cope with his father’s death and the responsibilities he faces. This demonstrates the value of having a strong support network.
Real-World Application: Children can appreciate and seek support from family and friends during tough times, understanding that leaning on others is a strength, not a weakness.
Example Lesson: Empathy and understanding toward others
Explanation: Isaiah learns to see beyond his own struggles and understand the challenges that others face, particularly as he observes different members of his community facing their own difficulties.
Real-World Application: This lesson encourages children to be observant and considerate of the feelings and situations of people around them, promoting a more empathetic and supportive community.
Example Lesson: Courage to stand up for what is right
Explanation: Isaiah demonstrates moral courage by making tough choices, especially when dealing with bullies or when he needs to defend what he believes is right.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to confront wrongdoing and stand firm in their beliefs, understanding the impact of their actions on themselves and others.
Example Lesson: Creativity as a coping mechanism
Explanation: Isaiah uses creative writing as a way to deal with his emotions and to keep his father’s memory alive, showing how creativity can be a therapeutic outlet.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to explore and engage in creative activities as a healthy way to express feelings and manage stress, fostering emotional well-being.