Learning to Swear in America
on Goodreads (2,981)
What’s inside...
Brimming with humor and one-of-a-kind characters, this end-of-the-world debut novel will grab hold of Andrew Smith and Rainbow Rowell fans. An asteroid is hurtling toward Earth, posing a catastrophic threat. Yuri, a physicist prodigy from Russia, is recruited to help NASA devise a plan to prevent disaster. Despite his groundbreaking research in antimatter, Yuri struggles to be taken seriously at NASA due to his young age. Amidst the chaos, he meets Dovie, a carefree teenager, whose zest for life offers Yuri a new perspective on what it means to save the world and live a life worth saving.
Age
12-13
Length
345 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Yuri Strelnikov
Lennon Collum
Dovie Collum
Discussion points
What do you think are the biggest challenges Yuri faces when he comes to America, and how does he handle them?
How do the characters in the book demonstrate resilience in the face of global challenges?
In what ways do you think science and friendships are portrayed in the story? Do you think one is shown as more important than the other?
How would you handle the situation if you were in Yuri’s shoes with only a few days to save the world?
What did you learn about different cultures and perspectives from Yuri’s experiences?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their opinions freely, indicating there are no right or wrong answers, fostering a safe space for conversation.
Relate the discussions to real-world issues or similar personal situations to make the conversation more relevant and engaging.
Ask follow-up questions based on your child’s responses to delve deeper into their thoughts and feelings about the story.
Highlight the importance of problem-solving and teamwork as demonstrated in the book to teach valuable life lessons.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Problem-solving and Innovation
Explanation: The protagonist, a young scientist, uses his intelligence and resourcefulness to tackle a looming asteroid threat. His creative approaches to problem-solving highlight the importance of thinking outside the box.
Real-World Application: Children learn the value of creative thinking in addressing challenges, understanding that sometimes unconventional methods can solve tough problems.
Example Lesson: Collaboration and Teamwork
Explanation: Throughout the story, the protagonist learns to collaborate with others, understanding that teamwork can bring new perspectives and solutions to difficult situations.
Real-World Application: This instills in children the importance of working together, sharing ideas, and valuing different opinions to achieve common goals.
Example Lesson: The value of perseverance
Explanation: Despite facing numerous challenges, the young protagonist remains determined and does not give up on his mission. This resilience demonstrates the importance of perseverance in overcoming obstacles.
Real-World Application: Children learn the significance of persistence and determination in achieving objectives, reinforcing the idea that hard work and dedication are key to success.
Example Lesson: Cultural Understanding and Openness
Explanation: The protagonist, being Russian in America, navigates cultural differences and misunderstandings, illustrating the importance of cultural sensitivity and adaptability.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to be open and respectful towards people from different backgrounds, fostering a more inclusive and understanding approach in their everyday interactions.
Example Lesson: Dealing with Pressure and Stress
Explanation: The young protagonist faces extreme pressure in his mission, showing methods of coping with high-stress situations.
Real-World Application: Teaches children the importance of managing stress effectively and seeking support when needed, skills that are invaluable in academic and social settings.