Road Trip with Max and His Mom
#2 of 14 in Max Series
What’s inside...
In this sweet and funny companion to Weekends with Max and His Dad by acclaimed author Linda Urban, Max and his mom embark on a road trip as they adjust to their new understanding of family. Third-grader Max is heading off on a road trip with Mom. With miles to travel, cousins to meet, and a tall roller coaster to ride (maybe), it will be an adventure! But Max always spends weekends with Dad; will Dad be okay if he’s left behind? And will Max be brave enough for all the new explorations ahead of him?
Character compass
Max
Gram
Max's Mom
Discussion points
How did Max feel about his road trip with his mom and why?
What are some ways Max and his mom made their road trip special?
Can you think of a time when you went on an adventure with your family? What was memorable about it?
Why do you think it's important for Max and his mom to spend time together?
How did the places they visited change how they felt or thought?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to relate the story to their own experiences by asking them about their favorite family trips or outings.
Discuss the importance of spending quality time with family and how that can strengthen relationships, similar to Max and his mom.
Ask your child to describe what kind of road trip they would plan and who they would invite, fostering creativity and personal connection to the story.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Understanding and dealing with change
Explanation: Max navigates the emotional complexities of his parents’ divorce and adapts to the changes it brings, providing a realistic and positive perspective on coping with life’s transitions.
Real-World Application: Children can learn resilience and adaptability, applying these skills when dealing with changes in their own family dynamics or adjusting to new environments.
Example Lesson: Value of family bonding
Explanation: The road trip in the story serves as a backdrop for Max and his mom to engage in meaningful conversations and shared activities, enhancing their bond.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to value and invest time in family relationships, understanding that quality time can strengthen emotional connections.
Example Lesson: Navigating complex emotions
Explanation: Max experiences a range of emotions from excitement about the trip to sadness about his father not joining, teaching children about the spectrum of their feelings.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to recognize and express their emotions more effectively, helping them communicate their feelings to peers and adults in their lives.
Example Lesson: Importance of open communication
Explanation: Throughout the trip, Max and his mom discuss various topics openly, emphasizing the importance of honest and open communication within a family.
Real-World Application: This can help children understand the significance of discussing their thoughts and feelings openly with family members, fostering a supportive and understanding home environment.
Example Lesson: Embracing shared interests
Explanation: Max and his mom discover shared interests during their adventure, highlighting the joy and connection found in common hobbies and activities.
Real-World Application: Children learn to explore and share personal interests with family members, which can lead to mutual respect and enjoyment in joint activities.