Moonwalking
on Goodreads (458)
What’s inside...
For fans of Jason Reynolds and Jacqueline Woodson, this middle-grade novel-in-verse follows two boys in 1980s Brooklyn as they become friends for a season. Punk rock-loving JJ Pankowski can't seem to fit in at his new school in Greenpoint, Brooklyn, as one of the only white kids. Pie Velez, a math and history geek by day and graffiti artist by night is eager to follow in his idol, Jean-Michel Basquiat's, footsteps. The boys stumble into an unlikely friendship, swapping notes on their love of music and art, which sees them through a difficult semester at school and at home. But a run-in with the cops threatens to unravel it all. Moonwalking is a stunning exploration of class, cross-racial friendships, and two boys' search for belonging in a city as tumultuous and beautiful as their hearts.
Age
10-14
Length
224 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Pietro
J.J.
Discussion points
What did you feel about the way the characters handled their challenges in the story?
How do you think the main character felt when they made their big discovery?
If you could meet any character from the book, who would it be and why?
What is one lesson you learned from the story that you can apply in your own life?
Can you think of a time when you felt similar to any of the characters in the book?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use open-ended questions that allow your child to express their thoughts and feelings about the story.
Relate the characters’ experiences to real-life scenarios your child might encounter to deepen their understanding.
Encourage your child to imagine alternative endings or scenarios to foster creative thinking.
Show genuine interest in their responses; this encourages them to share more openly and thoughtfully.
Discuss the moral or lesson of the story and ask how they might have handled the situations depicted.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Importance of teamwork
Explanation: The characters in the book collaborate to solve a challenging problem, demonstrating the power of working together towards a common goal.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by participating in group activities at school or in sports, learning to cooperate and value each other’s strengths.
Example Lesson: Creativity and imagination
Explanation: The protagonist uses imaginative solutions to navigate through adventures, showing that creativity is a valuable tool.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to use their imagination in problem-solving and to be innovative in their daily interactions and play.
Example Lesson: Resilience in the face of challenges
Explanation: Throughout the story, the main character faces various obstacles but remains determined and pushes forward, highlighting the importance of resilience.
Real-World Application: Kids can remember this lesson when they encounter difficulties in learning new skills or dealing with personal setbacks, understanding that persistence is key to overcoming obstacles.
Example Lesson: Value of curiosity
Explanation: The curiosity of the characters leads them to explore new worlds and learn valuable lessons, portraying curiosity as a gateway to learning.
Real-World Application: Children can be encouraged to explore their interests deeply, ask questions, and seek out new experiences that broaden their understanding and horizons.
Example Lesson: Empathy towards others
Explanation: Characters in the book often express understanding and compassion towards each other, teaching empathy.
Real-World Application: This lesson can help children appreciate the feelings of others in their interactions and foster a more caring attitude towards classmates and friends.