Liam
Read On Series
What’s inside...
Liam's life is going well. He has performed satisfactorily in his GCSEs and is improving at playing the guitar. He hopes to convince Amy to date him, which would make his life perfect. Additionally, he is curious about discovering the identity of his real parents.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
11-12
Length
832 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Liam Buckley
Helen Buckley
Discussion points
How did Liam's journey make you feel?
What do you think was the most challenging part for Liam, and why?
Can you think of a time when you faced a similar challenge to Liam?
What would you have done differently if you were in Liam's shoes?
What did you learn about respect and understanding from Liam’s story?
Tip: Role play these questions
Pause at pivotal moments in the story to ask your child how they think Liam feels.
Relate the book’s themes to your child’s personal experiences to deepen their connection with the story.
Encourage your child to imagine alternative endings for the book to foster creative thinking.
Discuss the importance of resilience and how Liam’s character demonstrates this quality throughout his journey.
Use expressive reading to emphasize emotional moments in the story, making it more engaging for your child.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Empathy and Understanding
Explanation: In 'Liam', the main character frequently steps into the shoes of others to understand their feelings and perspectives.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by showing compassion and trying to understand their friends or classmates when they are upset or in a difficult situation.
Example Lesson: The Importance of Friendship
Explanation: Throughout the book, Liam builds strong friendships that support him in his endeavors and personal growth.
Real-World Application: Children learn the value of building and maintaining friendships and how these relationships can provide support and joy in their lives.
Example Lesson: Resilience in the Face of Challenges
Explanation: Liam encounters various challenges but his ability to persevere teaches the reader about resilience.
Real-World Application: This lesson equips children with the mindset to overcome obstacles at school or during extracurricular activities.
Example Lesson: Appreciation of Diversity
Explanation: The story showcases a variety of cultures and backgrounds, highlighting the importance of diversity.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to embrace and celebrate differences among their peers and in their community.
Example Lesson: Importance of Personal Growth
Explanation: Liam's journey is not just external but also internal, learning about himself and growing as a person.
Real-World Application: Children can be encouraged to pursue personal interests and hobbies that contribute to their own personal development.