Playlist for a Broken Heart
on Goodreads (375)
What’s inside...
When Paige finds an old mix CD in a local charity shop, she becomes intrigued by the boy who made it and the girl he had in mind while choosing the songs. The tracks narrate the journey of a boy searching for his perfect girl, one who truly understands him. The songs express feelings of loneliness, disappointment, and being misunderstood. Driven by the music, Paige embarks on a quest to find the mysterious boy, attending various gigs and bands. She is determined to discover if the boy at the end of her journey matches her imagination. This story is another enchanting read from Cathy Hopkins, a Queen of Teen nominee.
Age
12-17
Length
281 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How do you think music helped the characters express their feelings in the story?
What did you learn about dealing with sadness or loss from the characters?
Can you relate to any of the characters' experiences? How does that make you feel?
What role do friends play in helping characters cope with their challenges in the story?
If you could give advice to one of the characters, what would it be and why?
Tip: Role play these questions
While discussing the book, share your own experiences with music and how it affects your emotions, encouraging your child to do the same.
Ask your child to think of a song that matches their mood after finishing a chapter, fostering a connection between their feelings and the story.
Encourage empathy by asking your child how they would feel in the characters' situations, linking their personal experiences with those depicted in the book.
After finishing the book, watch a movie or listen to a playlist that deals with similar themes, to extend the conversation beyond the book.
Praise your child for their insights and thoughts about the book to boost their confidence in expressing their feelings and opinions.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Coping with Loss
Explanation: The protagonist navigates through the emotional turmoil of heartbreak and loss, learning to handle grief healthily.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this by understanding that it's normal to feel sad or upset after a loss and learning ways to cope with these emotions.
Example Lesson: The Importance of Friendship
Explanation: The story showcases how friends can provide support and comfort during tough times, highlighting the value of friendship.
Real-World Application: This teaches children to value their friendships and seek support from friends in challenging times.
Example Lesson: Self-Discovery
Explanation: As the main character deals with her broken heart, she embarks on a journey of self-discovery, learning more about her own needs and desires.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to explore their own emotions and desires, helping them to grow into well-rounded individuals.
Example Lesson: Resilience
Explanation: Through her challenges, the protagonist learns to be resilient and to find personal growth in adversity.
Real-World Application: This lesson can encourage children to persevere through their own adversities and understand that overcoming obstacles is part of personal growth.
Example Lesson: Expression Through Music
Explanation: Music plays a key role in the protagonist's healing process, illustrating how art can be a form of expression and therapy.
Real-World Application: Children can be encouraged to use creative outlets like music or art to express their feelings and cope with their emotions.