Squirm
on Goodreads (6,783)
What’s inside...
Billy Dickens is a determined young boy who once witnessed a biker swerve to run over a snake, and later that same motorcycle ended up submerged in a canal, suggesting Billy's strong sense of justice. His family has an eccentric habit of moving frequently to live near bald eagle nests in Florida, where his older sister is dating someone Billy disapproves of. His father left when Billy was four, leaving behind almost no information about himself except for an address in Montana that Billy recently discovered. This summer, Billy embarks on an adventurous journey across the country to reconnect with his estranged father. Along the way, he will hike mountains, navigate rivers, encounter wildlife, tackle a spy drone, and engage in wildlife conservation efforts, all in an attempt to understand and possibly save his father.
Age
9-13
Length
276 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Billy Dickens
Summer Dickens
Dennis Dickens
Discussion points
What do you think about Billy's decision to find his father? How would you feel if you were in his shoes?
Billy loves nature and the outdoors. What are some of your favorite outdoor activities, and why do you enjoy them?
How do the characters in 'Squirm' show bravery or courage? Can you think of a time when you had to be brave?
What did you learn about protecting wildlife from this book? How can we help protect animals in our own environment?
The book takes place in Florida and Montana, which have very different landscapes. How do the settings affect the story and the characters?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start by sharing your own thoughts on the book’s themes, such as environmental protection, family dynamics, or adventure, to encourage your child to open up.
Use praise and positive reinforcement when your child expresses their thoughts or asks questions to foster a comfortable and open discussion environment.
Relate discussions to real-life experiences or choices to help your child connect with the book’s themes on a deeper level.
Encourage your child to draw or write about their favorite scene or character. This can serve as a great starter for further conversation about the book’s messages.
Plan a family outdoor activity inspired by Billy’s adventures, which can lead to discussions about nature and the importance of conservation.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Respect for nature
Explanation: The protagonist, Billy, demonstrates a deep respect for wildlife and the natural world throughout his adventures.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by engaging in environmentally friendly practices such as recycling, conserving water, and learning more about local wildlife.
Example Lesson: Importance of family connections
Explanation: Billy's quest to find his father and understand his family history underscores the importance of family bonds.
Real-World Application: This can encourage children to value and explore their own family relationships and heritage.
Example Lesson: Courage to confront challenges
Explanation: Billy faces various obstacles and challenges in his journey, showing bravery and resilience.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to tackle their own challenges, whether at school or in personal development, with courage and determination.
Example Lesson: Value of curiosity and inquiry
Explanation: Billy's curiosity about his father and the natural world drives the plot and leads to important discoveries.
Real-World Application: Encouraging children to ask questions and seek out answers can enhance their educational experience and foster a lifelong love of learning.
Example Lesson: Ethical decision making
Explanation: Throughout the book, Billy encounters situations that require him to make decisions reflecting his values and ethics.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to think critically about right and wrong and make ethical choices in their daily interactions.