The House That Wasn't There
on Goodreads (1,012)
What’s inside...
Award-winning author Elana K. Arnold presents a story about Alder and Oak, two neighbors in Southern California who initially struggle to get along after Oak's family moves in and cuts down a cherished walnut tree. As they start school together, they uncover mysterious and possibly magical connections between them, learning that they need each other's help to solve these puzzles and understand the wondrous threads that connect everyone. In this luminous story full of mystery and magic, Elana K. Arnold weaves a shimmering tapestry about the lovely and surprising ways we’re connected to each other. Heart-healing, hopeful, and wonderfully inventive, this beautiful novel by a master storyteller not to be missed.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
8-12
Length
288 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How do you think Alder felt when he discovered the new house next door? Can you relate to a time you experienced a big change?
What do you think about the friendship between Alder and Oaklynn? How do they help each other grow?
How does the theme of 'things not being as they appear' show up in the story? Can you think of an example in your own life?
Why do you think the kittens were important in the story? What do they symbolize about understanding and connection?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use empathetic listening. When discussing Alder’s feelings or actions, relate them to your child's personal experiences to deepen their understanding and connection to the story.
Encourage imagination. Ask your child how they would solve a problem in the book, or how they might help a character.
Focus on the characters’ emotions and relationships. Discussing these can open a pathway to talk about your child's own relationships and feelings.
Reinforce the theme of perspective by discussing how different characters view the same event differently, prompting your child to think about how perspectives can vary in real life too.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Empathy and Understanding
Explanation: In 'The House That Wasn't There', the characters learn to understand and empathize with each other's feelings and situations, creating a supportive friendship.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this by learning to listen and relate to their peers' feelings, fostering better relationships and collaboration in their daily interactions.
Example Lesson: Accepting Change
Explanation: The story explores how characters deal with unexpected changes and challenges in their lives, emphasizing adaptability and resilience.
Real-World Application: Kids can use this lesson to cope with changes such as moving to a new school or adjusting to a new family dynamic, helping them to embrace change positively.
Example Lesson: The Value of Curiosity
Explanation: The book encourages exploration and curiosity through the characters' adventures, demonstrating how curiosity leads to learning and growth.
Real-World Application: This promotes a mindset of inquiry and exploration in children, encouraging them to ask questions and seek answers about their world.
Example Lesson: The Importance of Teamwork
Explanation: As the characters in the book collaborate to solve problems, they highlight how working together can achieve goals that seem impossible alone.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to collaborate effectively in team settings whether in school projects or during play, appreciating the strengths of diverse contributions.
Example Lesson: Resolving Conflicts
Explanation: Through the interactions between characters, the book illustrates peaceful conflict resolution and the importance of communication.
Real-World Application: This lesson will help children navigate disagreements with friends or siblings by using communication to express their feelings and find common ground.