Straydog/The Blue Mirror: Two Novels by Kathe Koja
on Goodreads (334)
What’s inside...
Rachel, a teenager with a healthy dose of both aptitude and attitude, begins to feel at home volunteering at an animal shelter. She finds joy and solace in her time at the shelter, particularly after bonding with a feral collie she names Grrl. The pair share a sense of anger and isolation, which Rachel channels into her writing after encouragement from a teacher. As she writes about Grrl, Rachel faces the challenge of earning the dog's trust. The arrival of Griffin, a new student, brings a new plan to help Grrl escape the shelter and find a home, teaching Rachel valuable lessons about trust and friendship in the process.
Age
12-17
Length
105 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Rachel
Maggy
Marianne
Griffin
Ms. Dunn
Cole
Discussion points
How do the stories of 'Straydog' and 'The Blue Mirror' make you feel about the characters' journeys?
What do you think are the key challenges the characters face, and how do they overcome them?
Can you relate to any of the characters' emotions or experiences in your own life?
What lessons do you think these stories teach about friendship and resilience?
If you could give advice to any of the characters, what would you say to them?
Tip: Role play these questions
Begin by sharing your own feelings and thoughts about the story to set a comfortable sharing atmosphere.
Encourage your child to express their thoughts and feelings about the book, emphasizing that all opinions are valid.
Relate discussions to real-life scenarios your child might encounter, making the themes more relatable and understandable.
Praise your child’s responses and insights to boost their confidence in expressing their views.
Ask follow-up questions based on your child's comments to delve deeper into their understanding and perspective.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Empathy
Explanation: In 'Straydog', the protagonist Rachel interacts with a stray dog, fostering a bond built on understanding and care despite initial fears and misgivings. Through Rachel's journey, the narrative emphasizes the importance of empathy towards others, including animals.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by learning to understand and share the feelings of their peers, animals, and even family members, leading to more compassionate and considerate behaviors in social settings.
Example Lesson: Resilience
Explanation: Kathe Koja explores themes of personal resilience in 'The Blue Mirror'. The protagonist, Maggy, navigates difficult personal circumstances, yet her strength in dealing with her challenges head-on serves as a powerful model for overcoming adversity.
Real-World Application: This lesson can encourage children to persist through their own challenges, be it at school or in personal situations, fostering a mindset that can handle adversity with courage.
Example Lesson: Self-reflection
Explanation: In 'The Blue Mirror', introspection is a critical tool for Maggy as she uses art to cope with her tumultuous feelings and complicated relationships. This self-reflection leads to personal growth and understanding.
Real-World Application: Children can be encouraged to use journals, art, or other forms of expression to reflect on their own feelings and thoughts, aiding in emotional development and self-awareness.
Example Lesson: Responsibility
Explanation: 'Straydog' illustrates themes of responsibility as Rachel takes on the care of a stray dog, learning about the duties and obligations associated with caring for another life.
Real-World Application: This lesson is vital in helping children understand the importance of being responsible, whether it's in taking care of a pet, completing school assignments, or in their interactions with others.