The Jellyfish Season
Avon Camelot Book S. Series
on Goodreads (446)
What’s inside...
In 'The Jellyfish Season' by Mary Downing Hahn, 14-year-old Kathleen's life is turned upside-down when her father loses his job, forcing the family to move to a small cottage on the Chesapeake Bay. Amidst family tensions and her brother's absence, Kathleen befriends local boy Brady and discovers the beauty of the bay and its jellyfish. The novel explores themes of family dynamics, economic hardship, and coming of age, highlighting the healing power of nature.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
8-12
Length
256 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How did the changes in the seasons affect the main character's feelings and actions?
What lessons did the characters learn about friendship throughout the story?
If you were in the same situation as the protagonist, how would you have reacted?
How do the characters in the book show resilience in facing challenges?
What role does the setting of the beach play in the story, and how does it influence the events?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their thoughts about the characters’ decisions and emotions, relating them to their own experiences.
Discuss the significance of setting and seasons, and ask your child how these elements might change the mood or outcomes in stories they know or their own life.
Ask your child to predict what might happen next after pivotal moments in the story and share how they would feel in similar circumstances.
Create a casual, open-dialogue atmosphere where the child feels comfortable sharing their thoughts without fear of being wrong, emphasizing that all views are valuable.
Highlight the themes of resilience and adaptability, discussing how these qualities can be beneficial in their own life.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Resilience and Adaptation
Explanation: The story portrays how the characters adapt to changes in their environment and circumstances, mirroring the life cycle of jellyfish which adapt to varying ocean conditions.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of adapting to changes such as moving to a new school or handling new family dynamics.
Example Lesson: Importance of Family and Support
Explanation: As the characters face challenges, the support from their family plays a crucial role in their ability to overcome obstacles, highlighting the strength of familial bonds.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to value and rely on family support during tough times, strengthening familial relationships.
Example Lesson: Empathy and Understanding
Explanation: The characters learn to understand and empathize with each other's experiences and emotions, promoting a message of kindness and compassion.
Real-World Application: This lesson prepares children to be more empathetic and supportive peers, enhancing their social interactions and emotional intelligence.
Example Lesson: Courage in Facing Fears
Explanation: Characters in the book confront and overcome their fears, teaching children the value of courage.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to face their own fears, whether it's trying out for a new sport or speaking in front of the class.