Runaway Blues
What’s inside...
Twelve-year-old Caleb Wallace spends his summer at Autumn Springs, helping his grandfather, Papa Clem, cope with Dementia. When Papa Clem decides to embark on a journey to find Robert Johnson's harmonica, Caleb joins him. Their adventure takes them on a three-state drive, facing bus troubles and playing for tips, leading them to Mosby, Arkansas. What they discover on this trip alters Caleb's summer and his entire life.
Age
10-12
Length
167 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think made the main character decide to run away?
How do you think the character felt when they were away from home?
What would you have done if you were in the main character’s shoes?
How do the other characters in the story connect with the main character, and how do those relationships change over the course of the story?
What lessons can we learn from the story about dealing with challenging situations?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use a gentle and open tone when discussing the character's emotions and decisions, making the child feel comfortable sharing their own thoughts.
Relate the story to personal experiences or feelings to help the child connect deeply with the themes discussed.
Encourage the child to think about different outcomes by asking what they would do differently and why.
Praise the child for their insights to boost their confidence and encourage deeper thinking about the story’s themes.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Empathy and Understanding
Explanation: In 'Runaway Blues', the main character learns to understand and feel the emotions of others, especially when interacting with characters from different backgrounds.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by recognizing the importance of listening to their peers and acknowledging different perspectives, promoting kindness and inclusivity.
Example Lesson: Courage and Facing Fears
Explanation: Throughout the story, the protagonist faces various challenges, each requiring bravery to overcome seemingly insurmountable obstacles.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to confront their own fears, whether it’s trying out for a school play, speaking up in class, or standing up for what is right.
Example Lesson: Responsibility and Consequences
Explanation: The book portrays the consequences of the main character's actions, both good and bad, teaching the importance of making thoughtful decisions.
Real-World Application: Children learn the value of personal responsibility and understand that their choices influence not only themselves but also those around them.
Example Lesson: Perseverance and Resilience
Explanation: As the story unfolds, the main character encounters setbacks but continues to strive towards goals, demonstrating determination.
Real-World Application: This lesson helps children grasp the importance of persistence in achieving objectives, whether it’s completing a difficult homework assignment or mastering a new skill in sports or arts.