The Bubble Wrap Boy
on Goodreads (523)
What’s inside...
Charlie Han, a small boy from the Chinese Chippy, struggles with being an outsider both at school and home. His only friend is Sinus Sedgely, another outcast. Charlie's overprotective mum and emotionally distant dad make life challenging, but everything changes when Charlie discovers a passion for skateboarding. This newfound hobby leads to the revelation of a family secret that might allow Charlie to feel ten feet tall despite his size. The Bubble Wrap Boy navigates themes of friendship, family, and finding one's hidden talents.
Age
12-14
Length
400 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Charlie Han
Mr. Han
Mrs. Han
Discussion points
How do you think Charlie felt when he was trying new things, and how would you feel in his place?
What does this story teach us about friendship and standing up for ourselves?
Charlie's mother is very protective. Discuss a time when someone was protective over you and how it made you feel.
Why do you think it’s important for Charlie to prove himself, and what are some ways you prove yourself to others?
How do the characters in the book change by the end, and what can we learn from their transformations?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their thoughts and feelings about the book’s events, helping them connect personally with Charlie’s experiences.
Discuss the concept of perseverance and resilience shown in the book, relating it to personal challenges your child might have faced.
Use Charlie’s story to inspire a conversation about friendship dynamics and the importance of supportive friends.
Highlight the changes in the characters through the book and ask your child if they have noticed similar changes in people around them or themselves.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Embracing uniqueness
Explanation: The protagonist, Charlie Han, often feels out of place because of his overprotective mother and his small stature. Throughout the story, Charlie learns to embrace his unique qualities, turning what he initially sees as flaws into strengths.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to appreciate what makes them different from their peers and understand that everyone has unique qualities that are worth celebrating.
Example Lesson: Resilience in the face of adversity
Explanation: Charlie faces numerous challenges and bullying at school but learns to persevere and find his own path to happiness and success, particularly through his unexpected talent in skateboarding.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the importance of resilience and perseverance, even when facing difficult situations or when feeling downtrodden.
Example Lesson: The importance of friendship
Explanation: Throughout the book, the support and camaraderie Charlie finds in his friend, Sinus, plays a pivotal role in his journey. Their friendship demonstrates the value of having supportive relationships.
Real-World Application: Children can learn the importance of building and maintaining positive friendships in their lives and how these bonds can provide support during challenging times.
Example Lesson: Courage to explore new passions
Explanation: Charlie discovers his passion for skateboarding, which is something totally unexpected given his initial lack of confidence and physical prowess. His journey into skateboarding shows the courage it takes to try new things.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to step out of their comfort zones and explore new hobbies or interests without fear of judgment or failure.
Example Lesson: Understanding and empathy
Explanation: The story provides perspectives from both Charlie and his overly protective mother, helping readers see the reasons behind her actions. This fosters a sense of empathy and understanding towards different viewpoints.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to consider other people's feelings and viewpoints, fostering empathy and improving their ability to interact considerately in their own relationships.