Precious Bones
on Goodreads (435)
What’s inside...
Meet ten-year-old Bones, whose playground is the Florida swamps, brimming with mystical witches, black bears, alligators, and bobcats. Bones' father, Nolay, a Miccosukee Indian, is smart and mischievous. Her mother is practical and intuitive. During summer, Bones and her friend Little Man discover something troubling in the swamp, implicating Nolay in foul play. With the unhelpful Sheriff LeRoy as their only hope, Bones decides to take matters into her own hands, determined to prove her father's innocence and deliver a miracle if necessary.
Age
9-12
Length
352 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Precious Bones
Little Man
Margie Timmons (Mama)
Leon Timmons (Daddy)
Discussion points
What do you think Precious learned about friendship throughout her adventures?
How did the setting of the swamp influence the story?
Why is it important to not judge others based on appearances or rumors?
What were some of the challenges Precious faced and how did she overcome them?
How can we learn from Precious's curiosity and courage in our own lives?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their feelings about the characters' decisions and the outcomes.
Discuss how the swamp, as a setting, adds mystery and suspense to the story, and ask how a different setting might change the story.
Highlight the importance of empathy by discussing how Precious interacts with other characters who are different from her.
Ask your child to think about a time they faced a challenge and compare it to those faced by Precious.
Use examples from the book to discuss the value of curiosity and courage in learning and personal growth.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Empathy and understanding
Explanation: In 'Precious Bones', the protagonist demonstrates empathy by understanding and accepting the differences in the people around her.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to appreciate the diversity among their peers and practice patience and understanding in their interactions.
Example Lesson: Importance of curiosity
Explanation: The book showcases the young protagonist's curiosity as she explores her surroundings and seeks to learn more about her community.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to ask questions, explore their environment, and seek knowledge actively, enhancing their learning experience.
Example Lesson: Value of perseverance
Explanation: The protagonist faces challenges but remains determined, showing resilience throughout the story.
Real-World Application: Teaches children the importance of not giving up in the face of difficulties, promoting a growth mindset.
Example Lesson: Respect for nature
Explanation: The setting and interactions in the book highlight the protagonist's deep respect for nature and the environment.
Real-World Application: Instills in children a sense of responsibility to take care of their environment and appreciate the natural world.
Example Lesson: Understanding consequences
Explanation: Decisions made by characters in 'Precious Bones' lead to various consequences, good and bad, which are portrayed throughout the narrative.
Real-World Application: Helps children grasp the concept of cause and effect and encourages them to think before acting.