The Day I Was Erased
on Goodreads (961)
What’s inside...
The brand new read-in-one-sitting mystery from the author of unforgettable bestseller The Goldfish Boy. Maxwell is always in trouble. He's a total menace to his teachers and big sister, but has a soft side, he rescued his dog, Monster, from being run over and checks on his elderly neighbour after school. One day, while looking through a mysterious cabinet of curiosities, Maxwell finds himself erased from his life as if he's never been born. At first, being able to walk around without being yelled at is great, but Maxwell starts to miss his old life. And, if he'd never existed, then he wouldn't have swooped Monster out of the path of that car. A story of family, friendship, and finding your place in the world.
Age
8-12
Length
352 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Maxwell Beckett
Bex
Reg
Discussion points
How would you feel if you were in Maxwell's shoes and got erased from the world one day?
What do you think is the importance of family and friends as shown through Maxwell’s experiences?
If you had the chance, like Maxwell, to change something from your past, what would it be and why?
How did Maxwell's view of himself and others change throughout the story?
What did you learn about the consequences of actions from this book?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start the conversation by summarizing the book together, recounting Maxwell's journey and key events.
Encourage your child to express their emotions about the book’s scenarios, and relate them to real-life situations if possible.
Discuss the importance of appreciating present moments, underlining the significance of friends and family as portrayed in the story.
Prompt your child to think about problem-solving by asking how they might have handled situations differently than Maxwell.
End the discussion by asking your child what they might want to change in the story and explore the potential outcomes of these changes together.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Empathy and Understanding Others
Explanation: In 'The Day I Was Erased,' the protagonist Maxwell learns to understand and empathize with his friends and family as he experiences life without his existence.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by considering how their actions affect others and striving to understand people's feelings and perspectives in their daily interactions.
Example Lesson: Consequences of Actions
Explanation: Throughout the book, Maxwell sees the direct results of not being there to influence events, which teaches him that his actions, or lack thereof, have significant impacts on others.
Real-World Application: This lesson helps children grasp the importance of thinking before acting and understanding that their actions can lead to significant outcomes, good or bad.
Example Lesson: Appreciation of One’s Life
Explanation: As Maxwell observes a world where he does not exist, he begins to appreciate his own life more, recognizing the value of his relationships and experiences.
Real-World Application: Children learn to value their own lives and the people around them more deeply, fostering gratitude and contentment.
Example Lesson: Resilience in Facing Challenges
Explanation: Maxwell faces numerous obstacles when he is erased from the world, but he persists in trying to rectify the situation, demonstrating resilience.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to persevere through difficulties in their lives, understanding that challenges can often lead to personal growth and improved circumstances.