Talk
on Goodreads (283)
What’s inside...
Hoping to escape from himself for awhile, Kit auditions for a controversial school play and discovers his talent for acting, struggles with coming out, and both he and his costar face crises in their view of themselves and in their close relationships. Told from two points of view. Kit Webster is hiding a secret. Carma, his best friend, has already figured it out, and pushes him to audition for the high school play. When he's cast as the male lead, he expects to escape his own life for a while and become a different person. What he gets instead is the role of a lifetime. In the play, Kit's thrown together with Lindsay Walsh, the female lead and the school's teen queen. Lindsay, tired of the shallow and selfish boys from her usual circle of friends, sees something real in Kit - and wants it. But Kit's attention is focused on Pablo, another boy in school. The play is controversial; the parents put pressure on the school to shut it down. And when Kit and Lindsay rally to save the play, they find themselves deep into a battle for the stage, and inside themselves. As in her other books, Ms. Koja's long stream-of-consciousness sentences with creative (but recognizable) spelling and clever use of italics will enchant readers.
Age
12-15
Length
144 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Kit Webster
Lindsey
Discussion points
How did the characters in 'Talk' use their words to express themselves? Can you think of a time when you did something similar?
What did you learn about the importance of dialogue from the story? How can we apply this in our daily conversations?
Which character did you relate to the most and why?
How do you think the story would change if the characters made different communication choices?
How can we use our words to help and support our friends, just like in 'Talk'?
Tip: Role play these questions
Active listening is key. Show genuine interest in your child's responses and encourage them to elaborate on their thoughts.
Tie the conversation back to personal experiences. Relating the book’s themes to real-life scenarios can make the discussion more relatable and meaningful.
Encourage empathy by asking how they think the characters felt during key moments in the book, and what they would have done in their place.
Be open about your own thoughts and feelings regarding the book’s scenarios, as this openness promotes a richer dialogue.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of communication
Explanation: In 'Talk,' the characters navigate various challenges through dialogue, showcasing the power and necessity of clear communication.
Real-World Application: Children learn to express their feelings and thoughts clearly and effectively, enhancing interpersonal relationships and problem-solving skills.
Example Lesson: Empathy and understanding
Explanation: The story promotes empathy by portraying diverse perspectives, encouraging readers to put themselves in others’ shoes.
Real-World Application: This lesson helps children develop emotional intelligence, improving their ability to understand and interact with people from different backgrounds.
Example Lesson: The value of teamwork
Explanation: Characters in the book collaborate to overcome obstacles, highlighting teamwork's role in achieving common goals.
Real-World Application: Children learn the significance of cooperation and mutual support in family, school, and play environments.
Example Lesson: Respecting differences
Explanation: ‘Talk’ demonstrates the strength and beauty found in diversity, teaching children to respect and celebrate individual differences.
Real-World Application: This encourages an inclusive attitude, helping children build more harmonious and diverse communities as they grow.