Letter and Spirit
What’s inside...
This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important, and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it. This work was reproduced from the original artifact, and remains as true to the original work as possible. Therefore, you will see the original copyright references, library stamps (as most of these works have been housed in our most important libraries around the world), and other notations in the work. This work is in the public domain in the United States of America, and possibly other nations. Within the United States, you may freely copy and distribute this work, as no entity (individual or corporate) has a copyright on the body of the work. As a reproduction of a historical artifact, this work may contain missing or blurred pages, poor pictures, errant marks, etc. Scholars believe, and we concur, that this work is important enough to be preserved, reproduced, and made generally available to the public. We appreciate your support of the preservation process, and thank you for being an important part of keeping this knowledge alive and relevant.
Age
12-18
Length
130 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How do you think the main character felt when they faced their challenge?
What would you have done differently if you were in the main character's shoes?
Can you think of a time when you felt similar to how the character felt? What did you do?
What do you think is the most important message of the story?
How do you think the story would change if it happened in a different place or time?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their feelings about the story by mirroring their emotions and showing genuine interest in their thoughts.
Use follow-up questions that relate directly to your child's responses to help deepen the conversation and their understanding of the book.
Connect themes or events from the book to personal experiences or real-world examples to make the discussion more relatable.
Discuss the characters’ actions and decisions, and ask your child what they might learn from them.
Praise your child's responses to encourage more open sharing and to build their confidence in expressing their thoughts and ideas.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of kindness
Explanation: In 'Letter and Spirit', the protagonist demonstrates kindness through her actions and words towards others, promoting a positive atmosphere.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by sharing, helping friends, or comforting someone who is upset, fostering a more empathetic community.
Example Lesson: Value of perseverance
Explanation: The story showcases characters persevering through challenges, emphasizing the importance of not giving up even when things are tough.
Real-World Application: Kids can learn to keep trying in their academic and personal pursuits, such as completing a difficult homework assignment or learning a new skill like riding a bike.
Example Lesson: Importance of honesty
Explanation: Characters in 'Letter and Spirit' face situations where they must choose honesty over convenience, illustrating the long-term benefits of being truthful.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to practice honesty in their daily interactions, promoting trust and integrity in their relationships.
Example Lesson: Understanding and respecting differences
Explanation: The book explores themes of diversity and the acceptance of different perspectives, teaching children to appreciate individual differences.
Real-World Application: This can help children interact more harmoniously with peers from various backgrounds at school and in their communities, enhancing social inclusivity.
Example Lesson: The power of education
Explanation: Educational pursuits and learning are highlighted as powerful tools for personal growth and overcoming obstacles within the narrative.
Real-World Application: Children are inspired to value their education, stay curious, and continually seek knowledge in all areas of life.