The Melody of Us
on Goodreads (1,472)
What’s inside...
New York Times bestselling author Kelly Yang delivers a heartfelt and powerful YA romance about a Chinese American girl named Serene who, after her fashion designer mother is diagnosed with cancer, takes over her mother's fashion business while trying to locate her estranged father in Beijing. Serene meets Lian Chen, a fellow Chinese student who moved from China to her Southern California town. Despite their differences, they find solace in each other and fall in love while navigating life's challenges.
Age
14-17
Length
416 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What was your favorite part of the story, and why do you think it stood out to you?
How did the characters' actions make you feel? Can you think of a time when you felt similar?
What do you think the main message of the book is? How can we apply this message in our daily lives?
If you could change one thing in the story, what would it be and why?
How do you think the story would continue after the book ends? What adventures might the characters have next?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use expressive reading to bring characters to life, changing your tone and volume to match their emotions. This makes the story more captivating for your child.
Pause after exciting or crucial moments in the story to ask your child predictive questions, like 'What do you think will happen next?' This keeps them engaged and thinking critically about the storyline.
After reading, relate the themes or situations from the book to your child’s personal experiences. This helps them connect more deeply with the story and understand its relevance.
Encourage your child to draw or act out their favorite scene. This not only deepens their comprehension of the story but also lets them express their understanding creatively.
Discuss the decisions characters made in the book and ask your child if they would have done anything differently. This stimulates ethical thinking and decision-making skills.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of friendship
Explanation: The story showcases the bond between the characters as they navigate challenges together, emphasizing loyalty and support.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to value and nurture their friendships, understanding the importance of being a good friend in their daily interactions.
Example Lesson: Embracing diversity
Explanation: The characters in 'The Melody of Us' come from diverse backgrounds, teaching the reader to appreciate and celebrate differences.
Real-World Application: This lesson encourages children to be open and accepting towards people from different cultures, helping to foster inclusivity from an early age.
Example Lesson: The power of music
Explanation: Music plays a central role in the story, used as a tool for expression and connection among characters.
Real-World Application: Children can be inspired to explore their own musical talents or appreciate the arts, understanding how music can be a universal language that connects people.
Example Lesson: Resilience in adversity
Explanation: The characters face various obstacles but learn to overcome them through perseverance and courage.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the value of resilience, helping them to face their own challenges with determination and bravery.