The Decoding of Lana Morris
on Goodreads (311)
What’s inside...
Sixteen-year-old Lana Morris wishes her life were different, that she were somewhere else, someone else. Her foster mother wants her gone, she's stuck taking care of the other kids in the house, she longs to become closer to her foster father, and the only cool people around refuse to acknowledge her. Then Lana stumbles into Miss Hekkity's mysterious shop, and she begins to realize that she might actually have the power to change things—to make some of her wishes come true. But wishing isn't always as harmless as it seems. Award-winning authors Laura and Tom McNeal weave a warmhearted and suspenseful story about the power—and danger—of a wish. From the Hardcover edition.
Age
12-15
Length
304 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How did Lana's experiences with her foster family shape her view of the world?
What do you think the butterflies symbolize in Lana's journey?
How does Lana's ability to decode the thoughts of others affect her relationships?
In what ways do you think being different can be a strength rather than a weakness?
What would you do if you had a power similar to Lana's? How would you use it?
Tip: Role play these questions
While discussing Lana's challenges, relate them to any personal experiences or difficulties your child might have faced, to make the conversation more relatable.
Encourage your child to express their thoughts on how Lana's unique ability influences her actions and decisions, prompting them to evaluate how personal traits can impact one's choices.
Discuss the symbolism of the butterflies and other recurring motifs in the story to enhance your child's analytical skills.
Point out moments in the book where being different gives Lana an advantage, reinforcing the idea that individual differences contribute to everyone’s unique strengths.
Use open-ended questions that promote critical thinking and allow your child to express their understanding and interpretation of the story.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Empathy and Understanding
Explanation: In 'The Decoding of Lana Morris', Lana learns to navigate complex relationships with her foster siblings, understanding their difficult backgrounds and helping them. Her journey teaches the importance of empathy.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by showing understanding and compassion towards their peers, especially those who may come from different or difficult circumstances.
Example Lesson: Resilience in the Face of Adversity
Explanation: Lana faces numerous challenges in her foster home and at school, but she learns to overcome these hurdles with determination and resilience.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the value of perseverance and resilience when faced with their own personal challenges, whether at school or in other areas of life.
Example Lesson: Self-discovery and Personal Growth
Explanation: Throughout the book, Lana embarks on a profound journey of self-discovery, learning more about her desires, strengths, and identity. This process is crucial as she makes important decisions about her future.
Real-World Application: Children can be encouraged to explore their own interests and strengths, understanding that personal growth is an ongoing and important journey.
Example Lesson: The Impact of Kindness
Explanation: Lana's acts of kindness towards her foster siblings change their lives significantly, demonstrating the powerful impact a simple act of kindness can have.
Real-World Application: This lesson encourages children to practice kindness in everyday interactions, fostering a positive environment in both their immediate and extended communities.
Example Lesson: Courage to Make Hard Choices
Explanation: Lana is often faced with difficult choices, particularly towards finding what truly makes her happy despite the expectations of others. Her courage in making these decisions is central to the storyline.
Real-World Application: It teaches children the importance of making decisions that align with their values and happiness, even when it might be difficult or unpopular.