The Boy Who Swallows Flies
on Goodreads (38)
What’s inside...
The Boy Who Swallows Flies is a mystery novel by Michael F. Stewart that follows the story of Jarrod, a young boy with a unique ability to attract and swallow flies, which he believes gives him the power to see how a person will die. When his ability leads him to foresee the death of his beloved neighbor, Mrs. Jessup, Jarrod becomes a suspect in her murder. To clear his name and find the real killer, Jarrod teams up with his friend, Tommy, and they embark on a quest that takes them through a series of clues and adventures. Along the way, Jarrod must confront his own fears and the skepticism of those around him. The novel is a blend of supernatural elements, suspense, and the challenges of growing up, as Jarrod learns about friendship, trust, and the importance of facing one's own demons.
Age
8-12
Length
170 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think made Jared so intrigued by solving mysteries?
How do you feel about the way Jared handled the challenges he faced?
If you were in Jared's shoes, how would you approach the mystery of the flies?
What do you think the flies symbolize in the story?
What did you learn about friendship and trust from this story?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start the discussion by sharing your own thoughts on the book to create an open environment.
Encourage your child to think critically by asking them what they would do differently than the characters in the book.
Connect the story to real-life experiences, which can help your child relate to the themes and characters.
Compliment your child’s responses to foster a positive discussion environment and encourage more detailed thoughts.
Ask follow-up questions based on your child’s responses to delve deeper into their understanding and perspective of the story.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Problem-solving
Explanation: In the story, the protagonist uses his creativity and resourcefulness to solve the mystery of how he swallows flies, showcasing his ability to think critically and come up with solutions.
Real-World Application: Children can apply these problem-solving skills in their daily life by tackling puzzles, school projects or any unexpected challenges with a creative and open-minded approach.
Example Lesson: Empathy
Explanation: The main character's interactions with others, including the flies, encourage him to consider perspectives different from his own, fostering a sense of empathy.
Real-World Application: Kids can practice empathy by considering other people's feelings and viewpoints during conflicts or group activities at school or in play.
Example Lesson: Resilience
Explanation: Despite facing unusual and sometimes distressing circumstances, the hero of the story demonstrates resilience by adapting to new challenges and maintaining his pursuit of answers.
Real-World Application: Children learn to remain resilient and persistent when dealing with difficulties such as learning new skills or managing changes in their environment.
Example Lesson: Curiosity
Explanation: The unusual predicament of swallowing flies sparks the boy's curiosity, driving him to explore and seek out knowledge to understand his situation better.
Real-World Application: Curiosity can be nurtured in kids by encouraging them to ask questions and explore subjects that they are interested in, both academically and in their leisure time.
Example Lesson: Acceptance
Explanation: As the story unfolds, the protagonist learns to accept the bizarre aspects of his condition, which reflects the larger theme of accepting oneself and others despite differences.
Real-World Application: This lesson teaches children the importance of self-acceptance and acceptance of others, promoting inclusivity and self-confidence in social settings.