My Aunt Is a Pilot Whale
on Goodreads (166)
What’s inside...
Anna lives in Cape Cod and becomes involved in rescuing a pod of beached whales. She becomes close to another of the helpers, Tara, who then feels able to tell of the sexual abuse she has suffered.
Age
12-13
Length
150 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How do you think the aunt feels about being a pilot whale, and why?
What are some ways the aunt helps others in the story?
Can you imagine what it would be like to swim like a pilot whale for a day?
What did you learn about pilot whales from this story?
How do you think the story would change if it was set in a different place?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use expressive reading voices for different characters to make the story more engaging.
Pause after reading key parts to ask your child how they feel about the events.
Relate the story to your child's experiences by asking if they've ever felt similar emotions to the characters.
Encourage your child to draw their favorite scene from the book or even imagine a new adventure for the aunt.
Discuss the importance of helping others and teamwork as showcased in the book.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Embracing Diversity
Explanation: The book portrays the aunt as a unique figure in a whimsical manner, representing different cultures and lifestyles through the imaginative idea of an aunt being a pilot whale.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to appreciate and respect people from diverse backgrounds, promoting inclusivity in their daily interactions at school and in the community.
Example Lesson: Importance of Family Bonds
Explanation: The narrative focuses on the relationship between the child and their aunt, emphasizing the special bond and adventures they share, despite her unusual form.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to value and nurture relationships with family members, understanding that every family is unique and special in its own way.
Example Lesson: Courage to Be Unique
Explanation: The aunt character, being a pilot whale, stands out as distinctly different yet remains a beloved and respected figure, teaching the value of embracing one’s individuality.
Real-World Application: Kids are encouraged to be proud of what makes them different, fostering self-confidence and resilience in facing social challenges.
Example Lesson: Creativity and Imagination
Explanation: The fantastical element of having a pilot whale as an aunt sparks imagination, encouraging creative thinking as children envisage the adventures they could have.
Real-World Application: This lesson helps in developing creative problem-solving skills and enhances their ability to think outside the box in real-world scenarios.
Example Lesson: Understanding and Empathy
Explanation: As the child learns more about their aunt’s unique world, they develop a deeper understanding and empathy towards others who may seem different at first.
Real-World Application: This teaches children to approach others with curiosity and empathy, essential skills for building strong, understanding relationships in their lives.