Mel
on Goodreads (392)
What’s inside...
A novel concerning a relationship between 17-year-old Melody Calder and Mitch Hamilton, the owner of a local junk shop and lead guitarist of a famous rock group, Assassination. As Melody works to repair and redecorate her run-down house, Mitch offers his help. However, their budding relationship is complicated by Mitch's ex-girlfriend's jealousy and Melody's suspicions about his intentions, as well as her own feelings for her sympathetic teacher, Mr. Edwards.
Age
12-13
Length
1 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Barney
Mr. Edwards
Melody Calder
Roxy Leigh
Mitch Moody
Discussion points
What do you think Mel felt when she went on her adventure? How would you feel in her place?
Mel meets many interesting characters in the story. Who was your favorite and why?
How do you think Mel changed from the beginning of the book to the end?
What would you have done differently if you were Mel in her journey?
Can you think of a time when you had to be brave like Mel?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use expressive reading to bring the characters to life, adjusting your voice for different characters to maintain your child's interest.
Pause after exciting moments in the story to give your child a chance to reflect and predict what might happen next.
Encourage your child to relate the story to their own experiences, fostering a deeper personal connection to Mel’s adventures.
After reading, encourage your child to draw a scene from the book, helping them express their understanding and interpretation creatively.
Discuss the moral of the story and how it can be applied in everyday life, reinforcing the themes and values conveyed.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Empathy
Explanation: In 'Mel', the protagonist learns to understand and share the feelings of another character who is from a different background.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this by recognizing and respecting differences among peers at school or in the playground, fostering a supportive and inclusive environment.
Example Lesson: Courage
Explanation: Throughout the story, Mel faces various challenges that require bravery to confront fears and stand up for what is right.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to face their own fears, whether it involves trying new activities, standing up to bullies, or speaking out in class.
Example Lesson: Perseverance
Explanation: Mel encounters obstacles that she overcomes through determination and persistence, demonstrating that hard work can lead to success.
Real-World Application: Kids learn the importance of consistent effort in achieving goals, be it in academics, sports, or personal hobbies.
Example Lesson: Friendship
Explanation: The story highlights the value of building strong, supportive friendships and how friends can help one navigate life’s challenges.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to cultivate and value friendships, learning to be supportive and reliable friends in their own lives.
Example Lesson: Responsibility
Explanation: Mel takes responsibility for her actions in the story, which affects not only her life but also those around her.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the importance of taking responsibility for their actions and understanding the impact of their decisions on others.