Riley Park (Orca Soundings)
Orca Soundings Series
on Goodreads (145)
What’s inside...
Seventeen-year-old Corbin, known for his aggressive demeanor both on and off the hockey ice, leans on fighting to feel robust. His friendship with the socially savvy and popular Darius, whose thrill-seeking behavior enlivens Corbin, becomes complicated when Darius oversteps boundaries with Rubee, a girl they both fancy. Following a confrontation at a party in Riley Park, both boys are assaulted, leading to Darius's death and Corbin's grave injuries. Struggling with amnesia, physical debilitation that ends his hockey pursuits, and the grief of losing his friend, Corbin grapples fiercely with these adversities. Ultimately, it's in relinquishing this struggle that Corbin discovers resilience through acceptance.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
12-16
Length
102 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Brady
Josh
Discussion points
What do you think Riley learned about friendship throughout the story?
How did Riley's actions impact those around him?
What would you have done differently if you were in Riley's situation?
How do you think the challenges Riley faced helped him grow?
What are your thoughts on the way the story ended?
Tip: Role play these questions
Begin by sharing your own impressions of the book and ask your child how they felt about the story. Encourage them to express their thoughts and relate the situations in the book to their own experiences. Highlight the themes of personal growth and accountability discussed in 'Riley Park.' Reinforce the idea that it's okay to make mistakes as long as one learns from them. Lastly, be open to their interpretations; it's a great way to see how your child thinks and feels about complex situations.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Empathy and Compassion
Explanation: In 'Riley Park,' the protagonist confronts bullying and violence, which teaches the reader about the importance of understanding others' feelings and circumstances.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by recognizing when someone is upset or hurt and showing kindness and support in their daily interactions at school or in the playground.
Example Lesson: Courage in the Face of Adversity
Explanation: The main character faces challenges bravely, even when it seems difficult. This helps convey the value of courageously facing problems.
Real-World Application: Kids can learn to tackle their fears, whether it’s standing up for a classmate, speaking out, or trying new activities even if they seem daunting at first.
Example Lesson: The Importance of Making Good Choices
Explanation: Throughout the book, the protagonist is faced with difficult decisions and their consequences, illustrating the importance of thoughtful decision-making.
Real-World Application: This lesson can guide children in making positive choices about their behavior and actions in school, at home, and with friends.
Example Lesson: Responsibility and Accountability
Explanation: Characters in the story learn to take responsibility for their actions, which is a crucial step in becoming mature and ethical individuals.
Real-World Application: This can help children understand that their actions have consequences and that they should be accountable for what they do, fostering a sense of responsibility.