The Miraculous
on Goodreads (1,057)
What’s inside...
Your summary text here. An Amazon Best Children's Book of 2019
Age
9-11
Length
320 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Wunder Ellis
Faye
Mysterious Old Woman
Discussion points
How did Wunder Ellis change throughout the story, and what events triggered those changes?
What does the term 'miraculous' mean to you after reading this book?
How do the different characters in the book cope with loss and grief? Can you relate to any of their methods?
What role do friendship and support play in helping Wunder navigate his challenges?
If you could ask Wunder one question, what would it be and why?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use open-ended questions that invite more than yes or no answers, fostering deeper conversation and thinking.
Relate topics from the book to your child’s experiences, such as dealing with loss or the importance of friendship, to personalize the discussion.
Encourage empathy by asking your child how they feel about Wunder’s decisions and actions throughout the book.
Promote critical thinking by challenging your child to consider what they would do differently if they were in Wunder’s situation.
Reinforce the themes of the book by connecting them to real-world examples and situations your child might encounter.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Resilience in the face of adversity
Explanation: In 'The Miraculous,' the protagonist Wunder navigates the difficult waters of grief after a personal loss, showing how he learns to cope and eventually find hope.
Real-World Application: Children learn that it's okay to feel sad and that resilience is key to overcoming difficult situations. This can help them in dealing with their own losses and challenges.
Example Lesson: The importance of friendship and support
Explanation: Throughout the story, Wunder receives support from new friends who help him see the world in a different light, demonstrating the value of having supportive relationships.
Real-World Application: This underscores the importance of friendships for children and how reaching out for help can provide comfort and a different perspective in challenging times.
Example Lesson: Embracing change
Explanation: Wunder’s journey includes learning to accept changes that come with life, especially those that are unexpected or initially unwelcome.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to adapt to changes such as moving to a new school or welcoming a new family member, understanding that change often brings growth and new opportunities.
Example Lesson: The power of stories and imagination
Explanation: The book illustrates how stories and imagination can be a source of comfort and inspiration, helping Wunder to deal with his grief and find magic in the everyday.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to use their imagination as a tool for coping with real-world issues, and helps them understand how creativity can provide solace and understanding.
Example Lesson: Finding courage to confront fears
Explanation: As Wunder faces his fears head-on, he learns crucial lessons about bravery and self-discovery.
Real-World Application: Teaches children the importance of facing fears and the growth that comes from stepping outside one’s comfort zone. This can be applied in situations like trying out new activities or standing up in class.