Looking On
on Goodreads (28)
What’s inside...
Fourteen-year-old Rosalie has difficulty facing the reality of her own life and finds herself increasingly caught up in the lives of the newly-married couple next door.
Age
7-12
Length
192 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What did you think about how the characters solved their problems in the story?
How would you feel if you were in the same situation as the main character?
What did you learn from the characters' experiences?
Which part of the story was your favorite and why?
If you could change one thing in the story, what would it be and why?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use expressive reading to bring characters to life, altering your voice for different characters to keep your child engaged.
Ask your child to predict what might happen next at various points in the book to encourage active participation.
After reading, relate the story to your child’s personal experiences to deepen their connection to the themes.
Encourage your child to draw a picture or write a short story about their favorite part, which can lead to further discussion and understanding.
Pose hypothetical questions to your child about the characters' decisions and alternative outcomes to foster critical thinking.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Empathy and Understanding
Explanation: In 'Looking On', the protagonist learns to understand and share the feelings of others, which helps resolve conflicts and build friendships.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this by acknowledging their friends' feelings and perspectives, promoting harmonious interactions at school and during playtime.
Example Lesson: The Importance of Curiosity
Explanation: The story encourages children to explore their environment and ask questions, highlighting how curiosity leads to learning and personal growth.
Real-World Application: Kids can be encouraged to ask questions about the world around them, enhancing their knowledge and fostering a lifelong love for learning.
Example Lesson: Resilience in the Face of Challenges
Explanation: The characters face various challenges but learn to overcome them through perseverance and creativity.
Real-World Application: This teaches children to not give up easily in difficult situations, whether it’s solving a tough puzzle or learning a new skill.
Example Lesson: Value of Friendship
Explanation: Throughout the book, the characters learn that working together and supporting each other makes solving problems easier.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to build stronger bonds with their peers by being helpful and cooperative in group activities or team sports.
Example Lesson: Appreciation for Diversity
Explanation: The book showcases characters from various backgrounds, teaching the beauty and strength found in diversity.
Real-World Application: This can help children embrace differences in their classmates and learn to respect various cultures and viewpoints.