Just Like That
on Goodreads (3,479)
What’s inside...
Following the death of her closest friend in summer 1968, Meryl Lee Kowalski goes off to St. Elene's Preparatory Academy for Girls, where she struggles to navigate the venerable boarding school's traditions and a social structure heavily weighted toward students from wealthy backgrounds. In a parallel story, Matt Coffin has wound up on the Maine coast near St. Elene's with a pillowcase full of money lifted from the leader of a criminal gang, fearing the gang's relentless, destructive pursuit. Both young people gradually dispel their loneliness, finding a way to be hopeful and also finding each other. In this unforgettable, gently humorous novel, New York Times bestselling, award-winning author Gary D. Schmidt tells two poignant, linked stories of a grieving girl and a boy trying to escape his violent past. Meryl Lee Kowalski is sent to a girls' boarding school in fall 1968 to move on from her grief over a close friend's death. Matt Coffin is on the run from a criminal gang, afraid that anyone he cares about is at risk. When their paths cross, the pair’s connection begins to shape each of their lives. As their loneliness is gradually replaced by friendship, Meryl Lee finds unexpected allies and a sense of purpose, while Matt finds a new family and hope for the future. This riveting novel is Wednesday Wars author Gary D. Schmidt at his best, weaving in powerful themes and raising tears and laughter in equal measure. 'Set in 1968, Just Like That is part of an outstanding series that began with Newbery Honor recipient The Wednesday Wars and continued in Okay for Now, a finalist for the National Book Award. While each book can be read separately, overlapping characters and themes enrich each other in understated and often profound ways.' (BookPage starred review)
Age
10-13
Length
387 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Meryl Lee Kowalski
Matt Coffin
Dr. Nora Macknutt
Discussion points
How do you think Meryl Lee dealt with her grief differently than other characters in the story?
Why do you think Matt was stealing things, and what does that tell us about his life?
What role do friendships play in the book? Can you think of a scene where a friendship made a big difference?
How do the changing seasons mirror the changes in the characters’ lives?
What's one decision a character made that you would have done differently? Why?
Tip: Role play these questions
Begin the discussion by sharing your personal reactions to the book's themes of loss, friendship, and resilience. This models open conversation and encourages your child to share.
Use the questions as a guide but let the child’s responses steer the conversation. This allows them to explore their thoughts and feelings about the book naturally.
Validate your child's feelings and perspectives as they discuss the characters and events in the book. This reinforces their confidence in expressing their thoughts.
Encourage your child to draw parallels between the events in the book and real-life situations they might encounter. This helps deepen their understanding of the book’s themes.
Discuss the book’s setting and time period, explaining any historical or cultural elements that may be unfamiliar. This can broaden the discussion and add educational value.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Coping with loss and grief
Explanation: In 'Just Like That,' the protagonist deals with the sudden loss of a close friend. Through her journey, readers learn about the process of grief and healing.
Real-World Application: Children can understand that it's normal to feel sad after a loss and learn ways to express their emotions and seek support from others.
Example Lesson: The importance of friendship
Explanation: The story highlights how new friendships can provide support and joy, even during tough times. The protagonist finds solace in new relationships that help her cope with her grief.
Real-World Application: Children learn the value of building and maintaining friendships, recognizing how friends can be a source of comfort and strength.
Example Lesson: Personal growth and resilience
Explanation: As the protagonist navigates her grief, she also discovers personal strength and resilience. Her journey illustrates how challenges can lead to growth.
Real-World Application: This lesson teaches children that facing difficulties can help them develop inner strength and resilience, important traits for personal development.
Example Lesson: Empathy and understanding
Explanation: Throughout the book, different characters display acts of kindness that depict empathy. These interactions underscore the importance of understanding others' feelings.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to recognize and respond to the emotions of others, fostering empathy and improving their social interactions.