Meet the Austins (Austin Family, 1)
#1 of 5 in Austin Family Series
on Goodreads (10,395)
What’s inside...
Book one of the Austin Family Chronicles, an award-winning young adult series from Madeleine L'Engle, author of A Wrinkle in Time, follows the Austin family as they navigate the challenges and joys of everyday life. When a family friend dies in a plane crash, the Austins open their home to an orphaned girl named Maggy Hamilton. Maggy's arrival disrupts the family's stability, as she is moody, spoiled, and causes chaos. The Austin children—Vicky, John, Suzy, and Rob—struggle to be generous and welcoming despite the difficulties. The book explores themes of family, empathy, and personal growth, and is celebrated for its warmth, humor, and perceptive storytelling.
Character compass
Vicky Austin
Rob Austin
John Austin
Maggy Hamilton
Suzy Austin
Dr. Wallace Austin
Mrs. Austin
Uncle Hal Huxley
Aunt Elena Huxley
Izzy Jenkins
Mr Hamilton
Dave Ulrich
Betsy Ulrich
Sally Howe
Mr. Ulrich
Pedro Xifra
Reverend Eaton
Mr. Ten Eyck
Mr. Jenkins (Austins)
Commander Jack Rodney
Douglas Austin
Victoria Austin
Nanny Jenkins
Mr. Rochester
Discussion points
How do you think Vicky felt when the family took in Maggy and how would you feel in a similar situation?
What are some ways the Austin family showed support and care for each other, and why is that important in a family?
How can a tragedy bring a family closer together, as seen in the book?
What did you learn about handling unexpected changes from the Austin family?
If you were a member of the Austin family, how would you have reacted to Maggy's arrival?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their feelings about family and belonging as they reflect on the Austins’ experiences.
Draw parallels between the challenges faced by the characters and real-life situations your child might encounter.
Ask your child about times they’ve seen or experienced support within their own family or community, reinforcing the theme of unity.
Let the child lead the discussion at times, giving them room to ask their own questions about the story or relate personal experiences.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Empathy and Understanding
Explanation: In 'Meet the Austins', the characters learn to understand and empathize with each other's feelings, especially when new family member Maggy joins them under distressing circumstances.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to recognize and respect the feelings of their peers and family members, fostering a supportive and nurturing environment at home and in school.
Example Lesson: Adaptability to Change
Explanation: The Austin family's ability to adjust to a new family dynamic when Maggy comes into their lives demonstrates adaptability.
Real-World Application: This can help children understand that change is a part of life and learning to adapt is an important skill, whether dealing with a new sibling, moving schools, or other life changes.
Example Lesson: Importance of Family
Explanation: Throughout the book, the strength and support of the family unit are emphasized, showcasing how they overcome challenges together.
Real-World Application: This lesson can encourage children to value and rely on their family connections during difficult times and appreciate the role of family in personal development and emotional support.
Example Lesson: Coping with Loss
Explanation: The Austin children learn to cope with the loss of a loved one and the emotions that come with it.
Real-World Application: This can help children understand that grief is a normal emotion and discussing their feelings with family can aid in the healing process.