Sunshine and the Full Moon
on Goodreads (23)
What’s inside...
A werewolf attack. A missing girl. A teenager scratching and scrapping for every asthmatic breath in the clutches of evil.
Sunshine Robins is having a summer to forget. First, the sassy softball superstar breaks her arm during a heroic home run, and now her trip to the California Gold Country has taken a frightening turn as a geocaching exploration leads to the terrifying discovery of a shapeshifting creature lurking beneath the streets of Dathanville.
As she puts the pieces together about the town's haunting past, a determined Sunshine must fight through her own bouts of anxiety and fear as she stares down the devilish beast looking to destroy Dathanville . . . one victim at a time.
A suspenseful adventure bustling with mystery and monsters, it all ignites with a line drive and a silver bullet.
Discussion points
How do you think Sunshine felt when she first saw the full moon?
What do you think the full moon represents in Sunshine's journey?
Can you think of a time when you discovered something new like Sunshine? How did it make you feel?
Why do you think the author chose the full moon as an important part of the story?
Tip: Role play these questions
While discussing the book, relate the themes to personal experiences in your child’s life to make the story more relatable.
Ask follow-up questions based on your child’s responses to encourage deeper thinking and connection to the story.
Highlight the emotions portrayed in the book and ask your child to express how they would feel in similar situations to foster empathy and understanding.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of friendship
Explanation: In 'Sunshine and the Full Moon', the protagonist Sunshine learns the value of building and maintaining friendships when she encounters various challenges that she overcomes with the help of her friends.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to appreciate and nurture friendships, understanding that cooperation and support are crucial in overcoming difficulties in everyday life.
Example Lesson: Embracing differences
Explanation: Throughout the story, Sunshine interacts with characters who are different from her in many ways. This teaches her—and young readers—about acceptance and the beauty of diversity.
Real-World Application: This lesson prepares children to be open-minded and respectful towards people from diverse backgrounds and perspectives, promoting inclusivity in their daily interactions.
Example Lesson: Courage to face fears
Explanation: The book highlights moments where Sunshine must confront her fears, particularly during the full moon. These scenes illustrate how she gathers courage to face the unknown.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to deal with their own fears and understand that being brave does not mean being unafraid, but rather facing fears and growing from the experience.
Example Lesson: Problem-solving skills
Explanation: As Sunshine embarks on her adventure, she encounters various obstacles that require creative thinking and problem-solving to navigate.
Real-World Application: This can help children develop critical thinking skills and adaptability, teaching them to approach challenges with a strategic mindset in real-life situations.