My Especially Weird Week with Tess
What’s inside...
11-year-old Sam is spending the holidays with his family on the Dutch island of Texel, but no one is having fun. His older brother has broken his ankle; his mum is plagued by migraines; and the morbidly imaginative Sam decides to prepare for the day his family might die by practicing loneliness. But when 12-year-old whirlwind Tess catapults herself into his life, Sam’s only option is to follow her lead. Tess wants to find her father, who doesn’t even know she exists. Together they come up with an especially weird plan to lure him onto the island for one week, discovering the joy of living and the meaning of family along the way. A hilarious, heart-warming tale about family, friendship and what it means to live.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
10-14
Length
143 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What was your favorite part of Tess and Samuel's adventure and why?
How did Samuel's feelings towards Tess change throughout the story, and what made them change?
Why do you think Tess wanted to complete her special list during her week with Samuel?
What would you have done differently if you were in Samuel’s shoes?
Tip: Role play these questions
As you discuss the book with your child, encourage them to express their feelings and thoughts about the characters' decisions and actions. Connect the story to their own experiences by asking if they’ve ever had a similar adventure or made a new friend in an unexpected way. Highlight the importance of empathy and understanding different perspectives, just like Samuel learned to understand Tess better throughout their week together.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Embracing Diversity
Explanation: The story portrays characters from different backgrounds and with unique characteristics coming together, highlighting the beauty of diversity.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this by being open and accepting to peers who might seem different from them, fostering inclusivity.
Example Lesson: Problem Solving
Explanation: The protagonist navigates unexpected challenges during the week with Tess, showcasing effective problem-solving skills.
Real-World Application: Kids learn to approach obstacles in their daily lives with a positive and proactive mindset, finding creative solutions.
Example Lesson: Value of Friendship
Explanation: The relationship that blooms between the characters underscores the importance of friendship and mutual support.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to cultivate strong, supportive friendships, contributing to their emotional and social growth.
Example Lesson: Coping with Change
Explanation: The characters deal with various changes throughout the story, teaching resilience and adaptability.
Real-World Application: This helps children understand that change is a natural part of life and equips them to handle transitions smoothly.
Example Lesson: Empathy and Understanding
Explanation: As the characters interact, they learn to understand each other's feelings and perspectives, fostering empathy.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to be empathetic towards their peers, enhancing their emotional intelligence and interpersonal relationships.