Rumble
on Goodreads (10,024)
What’s inside...
In the New York Times bestselling novel by the author of Crank and Tricks, an atheist named Matthew Turner grapples with the ideas of faith and forgiveness after his younger brother is bullied into suicide. Despite his girlfriend Hayden's encouragement, Matt refuses to let go of blame and plans to 'live large and go out with a huge bang.' However, a catastrophic event leads him to question everything he has ever disbelieved in, challenging his views on faith, forgiveness, and the possibility of a higher power.
Age
13-14
Length
550 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Matthew Turner
Hayden
Discussion points
What do you think motivated the main character to act the way they did?
How do you think the story would change if it happened in our town?
What feelings did you experience when you read about the main events?
Which character did you feel the most connected to and why?
What is one decision from the book you would change, and what would you do differently?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use open-ended questions that require more than a yes or no answer to encourage deeper thinking.
Connect the themes of the book to personal experiences or current events to make the discussion more relatable.
Encourage your child to express their opinions and thoughts without correcting them immediately, fostering an open dialogue.
Discuss the motivations behind the characters' actions to help develop empathy and understanding.
Praise your child for their insights and contributions to the conversation to boost their confidence in expressing their views.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Empathy and Understanding
Explanation: In 'Rumble,' the protagonist grapples with complex relationships and differing perspectives, providing a narrative that fosters empathy.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by learning to understand and respect differing viewpoints among peers and family members, nurturing healthier interactions.
Example Lesson: Consequences of Actions
Explanation: The book delves into the repercussions of the protagonist's decisions, illustrating how choices can have far-reaching effects.
Real-World Application: This can encourage children to think critically about the potential outcomes of their actions and make more considered decisions.
Example Lesson: Resilience and Perseverance
Explanation: Throughout 'Rumble,' the main character faces various challenges but continues to push forward, demonstrating resilience.
Real-World Application: This lesson can inspire children to persist through difficulties in their own lives, reinforcing the value of perseverance in overcoming obstacles.
Example Lesson: The Importance of Seeking Help
Explanation: The protagonist’s journey highlights the benefits of seeking support during tough times from friends, family, or professionals.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to recognize when they need help and understand that seeking assistance is a sign of strength, not weakness.