The Half-Orphan's Handbook
on Goodreads (359)
What’s inside...
The Half-Orphan's Handbook by Joan F. Smith is a coming-of-age story that explores grief through the lens of a young girl named Lila, who lost her father to suicide. Lila has created rules to protect herself from pain, such as avoiding love and staying away from liars. However, when she is sent to a grief camp for the summer, Lila finds it difficult to uphold these rules as she forms new friendships and develops a crush. As Lila confronts the truth about her family, she learns how to love again despite a broken heart.
Age
14-18
Length
352 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Lila Forester
Noah
Discussion points
How do you think Lila felt moving to a new place and meeting new people?
What are some ways that Lila deals with her grief? Can you relate to any of her methods?
How do friendships impact Lila’s journey in the book?
What did you learn about dealing with loss from Lila's experiences?
Why do you think it's important to talk about our feelings, like Lila does in the book?
Tip: Role play these questions
Begin by sharing your own thoughts on the book’s themes to open up a comfortable conversation space. Highlight the importance of understanding and expressing emotions. Encourage empathy by discussing how different characters might feel in various situations. Relate the book's situations to real-life scenarios your child might encounter to provide deeper understanding. Praise your child's insights and thoughts to boost their confidence in expressing themselves.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Coping with Grief
Explanation: The protagonist navigates the complex emotions of losing a parent, demonstrating resilience and the gradual process of healing.
Real-World Application: Children can learn that it’s okay to feel sad or confused after a loss, and that seeking support from friends and loved ones is a healthy way to cope.
Example Lesson: Building New Relationships
Explanation: As the main character meets new friends who understand her struggles, the story underscores the importance of forming supportive connections.
Real-World Application: This lesson encourages children to be open to new friendships, especially with those who share similar experiences, fostering empathy and mutual support.
Example Lesson: Self-Discovery and Growth
Explanation: Throughout her journey, the protagonist learns more about her own strengths and weaknesses, which helps her to grow as an individual.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to explore their own emotions and experiences to better understand themselves, promoting personal growth and self-confidence.
Example Lesson: Acceptance
Explanation: The book highlights the importance of accepting life's challenges and changes, showing how the protagonist comes to terms with her family situation.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the value of accepting things that cannot be changed and finding ways to adapt positively, enhancing their resilience.