Picture Us in the Light
on Goodreads (5,065)
What’s inside...
Danny Cheng discovers a box in his father's closet containing old letters and a file on a powerful Silicon Valley family, revealing deep secrets about his family's past. As an artist with a promising future, Danny is faced with uncertainties about his best friend Harry Wong and their intertwined lives. As the one-year anniversary of a tragic event approaches, Danny uncovers more disturbing secrets that threaten to unravel his family's facade and jeopardize everything he loves. He must confront the past to build a future that is truly his own.
Age
13-14
Length
361 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Danny Cheng
Regina Chan
Harry Wong
Mr. Cheng
Mrs. Cheng
Discussion points
How do the secrets in the story affect the relationships between characters? What do you think about keeping secrets?
What role does identity play for the characters, especially Danny? How do you see your own identity shaping your life?
The theme of belonging is central in this story. Where do the characters feel they belong? Where do you feel like you belong?
How do Danny's artistic talents influence his view of the world and his relationships? How do your talents and interests shape your perspective?
The book deals with loss and moving forward. How do the characters cope with their past traumas? How do you think people should handle loss?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their thoughts and feelings about the book’s events and themes, and relate them to their own experiences.
Ask open-ended questions that prompt deeper thinking and connections to the characters’ emotional journeys.
Discuss the cultural aspects presented in the book and how they might compare or contrast with your family’s culture and experiences.
Highlight the resilience and growth of the characters to inspire your child and open up discussions about overcoming challenges in their own life.
Use paraphrasing to confirm your understanding of your child’s thoughts or feelings about the book, encouraging them to develop their ideas further.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Understanding and coping with grief
Explanation: Through the protagonist, Danny, the book explores the process of dealing with the loss of a friend and the lingering impact of unresolved issues.
Real-World Application: Children learn to process their emotions related to loss and understand that it's okay to seek support from family and friends during tough times.
Example Lesson: The importance of honesty
Explanation: The storyline unveils secrets within Danny’s family that have long-lasting effects, emphasizing the destructive nature of secrets and the liberation that honesty can bring.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to value transparency and honesty in their relationships, fostering trust and clearer communication with others.
Example Lesson: Celebrating diversity
Explanation: Set in the backdrop of Silicon Valley, the book highlights various cultural perspectives, particularly focusing on Danny's struggle with his identity as a Chinese-American.
Real-World Application: Instills an appreciation for diverse cultures and perspectives in children, teaching them to embrace differences and understand their own identity in a multicultural world.
Example Lesson: The impact of familial expectations
Explanation: Danny navigates his parents' high expectations alongside his own aspirations, which illustrates the pressures children can feel from family regarding their futures.
Real-World Application: Helps children understand the importance of open conversation with parents about their dreams and the pressures they feel, promoting healthier family dynamics and personal growth.