My Not-So-Great French Escape
on Goodreads (192)
What’s inside...
Rylan O’Hare feels a growing distance from his best friend, Wilder, who becomes preoccupied with his family's newfound wealth. Hoping to mend their friendship, Rylan joins Wilder for a summer farming program in France. However, the experience takes an unexpected turn when Rylan learns that his estranged father, whom he hasn't seen since he was three, is also in France and wants to meet. Between mishaps on the farm and being ditched by Wilder for new friends, Rylan’s trip becomes less about reconnecting with Wilder and more about self-discovery and deciding whether to meet his father. Amidst the chaos, Rylan learns to let go of old expectations and embrace new possibilities.
Age
8-12
Length
224 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Rylan O’hare
Henry
Discussion points
How do you think the main character felt when their plans didn't go as expected?
What would you have done differently if you were in the same situation?
Can you think of a time when something didn't go as planned for you? How did you handle it?
What did the main character learn by the end of the book?
How did the friendships in the story change or grow throughout the book?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start by asking your child how they felt about the book and its characters to gauge their initial reactions.
Encourage your child to compare their own experiences with those of the characters to foster deeper empathy and understanding.
Discuss the importance of adaptability and resilience, highlighting how the main character navigates challenges.
Relate the story's themes to real-life scenarios your child might encounter to help them apply the lessons learned.
Praise your child’s insights and thoughts to boost their confidence and engagement during the discussion.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Resilience
Explanation: The protagonist faces numerous challenges during their French escapade, from language barriers to cultural differences. They learn to adapt and persevere through various misadventures.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this by learning to stay strong and keep trying in the face of difficulties at school or in social settings.
Example Lesson: Cultural Appreciation
Explanation: The story vividly portrays the beauty and uniqueness of French culture, from the cuisine to the scenic locales, teaching the protagonist to appreciate and respect different ways of life.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to be curious about and respectful towards diverse cultures they encounter in their community or studies.
Example Lesson: Problem Solving
Explanation: As the protagonist navigates unexpected situations during their trip, they utilize critical thinking and resourcefulness to solve problems.
Real-World Application: Kids can learn to assess situations and make informed decisions, enhancing their problem-solving skills in daily activities.
Example Lesson: Independence
Explanation: Throughout their journey, the protagonist learns to make decisions independently, gaining confidence in their abilities.
Real-World Application: This can inspire children to take initiative in their tasks and responsibilities, fostering independence.
Example Lesson: Language Skills
Explanation: The protagonist attempts to learn and use the French language, highlighting the importance and challenges of communication in a new language.
Real-World Application: This can motivate children to explore learning a new language or improve their communication skills.