The Fingertips of Duncan Dorfman
on Goodreads (1,211)
What’s inside...
Friendship, family, and high-stakes Scrabble come together in this compelling novel from a bestselling author. Duncan Dorfman, April Blunt, and Nate Saviano don't seem to have much in common. Duncan is trying to manage his newfound ability to 'read' with his fingers. April is striving to be accepted by her family of jocks. And Nate is struggling to meet his father's high expectations. But when a Scrabble Tournament brings them together, their stories intertwine. Driven by competition, drama, and just a touch of magic, the story will have readers flying through the pages, anxious to discover who will be the real winners.
Age
8-12
Length
304 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Duncan Dorfman
Nate
April Blunt
Nate's Dad
Discussion points
How do you think Duncan felt when he discovered his special talent, and how would you feel if you were in his shoes?
What lessons can we learn about friendship and competition from Duncan’s experiences?
Can you think of a time when you felt different or had trouble fitting in like Duncan did? How did you handle it?
What role do you think teamwork played in the story, and how does it apply to your own experiences in school or sports?
How do the various characters in the book demonstrate courage or strength? Which character’s journey resonated with you the most?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their thoughts and feelings about the book’s characters and events, relating them to their own experiences. Use the open-ended questions to guide a deeper understanding of the themes, like self-discovery and resilience. Validate their feelings and thoughts to help them connect personally with the story, enhancing their empathy and emotional intelligence. Discuss the outcomes of the characters' decisions, promoting critical thinking about cause and effect.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The value of friendship and teamwork
Explanation: Duncan and his friends navigate the challenges of a youth Scrabble tournament, learning to support and rely on each other to succeed.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by collaborating with peers in group projects or team sports, learning that collective effort often leads to greater success.
Example Lesson: Integrity over winning
Explanation: Duncan faces moral dilemmas about cheating to win in Scrabble, ultimately learning that honesty is more important than victory.
Real-World Application: This lesson teaches children the importance of honesty in their daily interactions and the long-term benefits of being trustworthy, even when under pressure to win or succeed.
Example Lesson: Acceptance of differences
Explanation: The book showcases characters from diverse backgrounds and with unique abilities, promoting acceptance and inclusion.
Real-World Application: Children learn to embrace and celebrate differences among their peers, understanding that diversity enriches experiences and relationships.
Example Lesson: Coping with pressure
Explanation: Duncan and his peers handle the pressures of competition, learning strategies to manage stress and maintain focus.
Real-World Application: This lesson is crucial for helping children develop resilience and stress management techniques, useful during exams or competitive situations in school.