The Counterclockwise Heart
on Goodreads (262)
What’s inside...
In 'The Counterclockwise Heart,' Brian Farrey crafts a captivating narrative that revolves around a young protagonist in a unique kingdom where time flows backward for the royal family, due to a mysterious heart that beats counterclockwise. As the kingdom gears up for the coronation of a new monarch, the protagonist uncovers a dangerous conspiracy that jeopardizes the stability of their world. With the assistance of allies, the protagonist must face a series of perilous challenges and decode the mysteries surrounding the counterclockwise heart to avert disaster and reinstate the natural progression of time. The novel has been recognized as the winner of the 2023 Minnesota Book Award for Middle Grade Literature, celebrated for its entertaining, fast-paced, and thoughtful approach to storytelling.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
10-13
Length
352 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How do you think time moving backwards affects the characters in the story?
What would you do if you found yourself in a world where time worked differently?
Which character in 'The Counterclockwise Heart' do you relate to the most, and why?
What are some ways that the characters showed courage in the face of the unknown?
How do the themes of time and courage in the story relate to our everyday lives?
Tip: Role play these questions
Begin the conversation by asking your child how they felt about the concept of time moving backwards and explore their imagination around this idea.
Encourage your child to compare the reactions of different characters to the central dilemma of time reversal, fostering empathy and deeper understanding of character motivation.
Discuss the decisions that the characters make and ask your child what they would have done in the same situation, helping them apply the story to their own life choices.
Highlight instances of bravery or resilience in the story, and relate these to real-world scenarios where your child might need to demonstrate similar qualities.
Use examples from the book to talk about the importance of perspectives and understanding different viewpoints, especially in unusual or challenging situations.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Understanding Time and Responsibility
Explanation: In 'The Counterclockwise Heart', the protagonist deals with the responsibilities of a ticking clock that moves backwards, symbolizing the weight and consequences of decisions.
Real-World Application: Children can learn the importance of time management and the impact of their choices on themselves and others.
Example Lesson: The Value of Courage and Resilience
Explanation: As the characters face various challenges, their bravery and determination to right wrongs are highlighted, teaching readers about perseverance.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to face difficulties with courage and to understand that persisting through challenges is a valuable life skill.
Example Lesson: The Significance of Truth and Integrity
Explanation: Characters in the story must choose whether to uphold the truth or give in to deception, emphasizing the importance of honesty.
Real-World Application: This lesson helps children understand the role of integrity in building trust and maintaining healthy relationships.
Example Lesson: Accepting Change and Growth
Explanation: As the clock reverses, characters experience changes that reflect their personal growth and acceptance of past events, emphasizing the importance of embracing change.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to accept changes in life as opportunities for personal development and learning.
Example Lesson: Empathy and Understanding Different Perspectives
Explanation: The story exposes readers to different viewpoints through its characters, showcasing the importance of empathy and understanding.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to consider others' feelings and perspectives, fostering a sense of empathy and social awareness.