Take Me With You When You Go
on Goodreads (5,727)
What’s inside...
From the New York Times bestselling authors of All the Bright Places and Every Day comes a story of hope, family, and finding your home in the people who matter the most. Ezra Ahern wakes up one day to find his older sister, Bea, gone without a trace, leaving him with their abusive stepfather and neglectful mother. Meanwhile, Bea is in a new city trying to escape their toxic home, but a message she receives changes everything. As secrets about their past unfold, both Ezra and Bea must confront their fears and learn to trust themselves before they can find a way back to each other and heal from their broken past.
Age
12-17
Length
336 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Bea
Ezra
Darren
Lila
Discussion points
What emotions did you feel as you learned about the struggles and triumphs of the characters in the novel?
How do you think communication plays a role in the siblings’ relationship?
What does the concept of 'family' mean to you after reading this book?
If you were in the same situation as Ezra or Bea, how do you think you would respond?
What does the title 'Take Me With You When You Go' signify to you after finishing the story?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their feelings about the characters' decisions and actions, helping them connect emotionally and ethically with the story.
Discuss the siblings’ different ways of handling their challenges to enhance critical thinking and empathy.
Invite your child to talk about their own definition of 'family,' and how it may or may not align with the themes presented in the book.
Role-play a scenario where your child could offer advice to one of the characters, fostering problem-solving skills and deeper understanding.
Talk about the significance of the title and how it relates to the concept of support and seeking help, reinforcing the importance of these themes in real life.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Resilience in the face of adversity
Explanation: The characters in the book face significant personal challenges yet demonstrate resilience throughout. By handling these tough situations with courage, they provide a model of not giving up even when things are difficult.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to face their own challenges, whether it’s dealing with school pressures or personal problems, with courage and determination, understanding that resilience is key to overcoming obstacles.
Example Lesson: The importance of communication
Explanation: Throughout the book, characters struggle but eventually find solace and solutions through honest communication. This highlights the importance of expressing one's thoughts and feelings.
Real-World Application: This can encourage children to openly communicate their thoughts and emotions with family or friends, which is an essential skill for building strong relationships and resolving conflicts.
Example Lesson: Empathy and understanding
Explanation: As characters in the story share their experiences and emotions, they teach readers about empathy by putting themselves in someone else’s shoes.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to be more empathetic and considerate of others' feelings and perspectives, which can enhance their social interactions and ability to connect with peers.
Example Lesson: The power of family and support networks
Explanation: The book showcases how family and supportive relationships play crucial roles in helping characters navigate their lives, emphasizing the value of a strong support system.
Real-World Application: This lesson can help children appreciate and seek support from their family and friends, stressing the importance of nurturing relationships that provide emotional and moral support.
Example Lesson: Personal growth and self-discovery
Explanation: Characters in the book experience significant personal growth as a result of their trials and tribulations, which speaks to the journey of self-discovery.
Real-World Application: This can inspire children to embrace their own journeys of personal development, understanding that challenges can lead to growth and a better understanding of oneself.