Rory's Return
#6 of 8 in The Gymnasts of Maple Hill Gymnastics Series
on Goodreads (1)
What’s inside...
Rory, a 12-year-old gymnast and former Level 5 champion, returns to Maple Hill Gymnastics after taking a year off to care for her mother who was recovering from cancer. As her mother's health improves, Rory resumes her training with plans to compete at Level 6 in the upcoming fall. Concurrently, Rory assists at her neighbors' bakery, where she learns various baking skills and grows concerned about the bakery's uncertain future. Rory faces challenges juggling her gymnastics commitments and her desire to help at the bakery, all while grappling with doubts about regaining her champion status and worrying about the survival of Gimbel’s Bakery.
Discussion points
What do you think Rory learned during his adventure?
How do you think Rory felt when he returned home?
What would you have done if you were in Rory's place?
Can you think of a time when you faced something challenging like Rory did?
What does the idea of 'home' mean to you, just like it did to Rory?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start the conversation by sharing your own thoughts on Rory's journey to prompt your child to express their ideas.
Encourage your child to relate Rory's feelings and experiences to their own life, fostering a deeper connection to the story's themes.
Use expressive questions that ask for more than a yes or no answer to ensure a more engaging and thoughtful discussion.
Revisit Rory's emotions during key moments in the story to help your child understand and articulate emotional nuances.
Finally, celebrate the moral of the story together, reinforcing the values of courage, exploration, and the importance of home.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of forgiveness
Explanation: In 'Rory's Return,' Rory learns to forgive his friend who had unintentionally hurt his feelings, showcasing the power and relief that comes with forgiveness.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by learning to forgive their peers for misunderstandings or mistakes, fostering a kinder and more supportive social environment.
Example Lesson: Courage to face fears
Explanation: Rory confronts his fear of the dark when he ventures into the woods at night to find a lost toy, demonstrating the courage it sometimes takes to face our fears.
Real-World Application: This lesson encourages children to tackle their own fears, whether it's trying out for a sports team, speaking in front of a class, or sleeping with the lights off, thereby building their confidence and resilience.
Example Lesson: Value of perseverance
Explanation: Throughout the book, Rory faces various challenges but continues to try his best to solve them, thus teaching the value of perseverance in achieving goals.
Real-World Application: Children learn that by not giving up, whether it’s completing a difficult homework assignment or learning a new skill, they can achieve their goals through persistent effort.
Example Lesson: Empathy and understanding
Explanation: Rory shows empathy by helping a wounded animal he finds in the forest, understanding its pain and assisting in its recovery.
Real-World Application: This can inspire children to be more attentive to the feelings and needs of others, whether it's caring for a pet, helping a sibling, or understanding a friend’s emotional state.
Example Lesson: The joy of reunion and healing relationships
Explanation: The story culminates in Rory reuniting with his old friend, highlighting the happiness and healing that comes from rekindling relationships.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to maintain and cherish relationships, learning that misunderstandings can be resolved and friendships restored with communication and compassion.