The Parker Inheritance
on Goodreads (8,856)
What’s inside...
The Parker Inheritance follows two African American teens, Candice and Brandon, who uncover their town’s racist history through clues left by one of its most celebrated residents. As they piece together the puzzle, they not only learn about the deep-seated issues within their community but also bring change and understanding to the small Southern town's perception of its past. The novel has received multiple accolades including a Boston Globe / Horn Book Honor, four starred reviews, and appearances on over ten best-of-year lists. Praised for its powerful narrative, The New York Times Book Review commends author Johnson for writing about the long shadows of the past with such ambition that any reader with a taste for mystery will appreciate the puzzle Candice and Brandon must solve.
Age
9-12
Length
331 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Candice Miller
Brandon Jones
Discussion points
What did you think about the mystery in the story? How would you solve it if you were Candice or Brandon?
How do the themes of justice and equality shown in the book relate to our world today?
Why do you think understanding history is important, as shown through the characters’ journey in 'The Parker Inheritance'?
What did you learn about friendship and teamwork from Candice and Brandon's adventures?
How do you think the past affects the present, based on the story?
Tip: Role play these questions
Initiate the conversation with a casual recap of the book, highlighting its major plot points and characters to set the context of the discussion.
Encourage your child to express their opinions and feelings about the story, showing genuine interest in their thoughts.
Connect themes from the book to real-life instances or current events to make the discussion more relatable and impactful.
Ask follow-up questions based on your child’s responses to delve deeper into their understanding and interpretation of the book.
Reinforce the values and lessons from the book by discussing how these can be applied in everyday life.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of perseverance
Explanation: The protagonist, Candice, demonstrates perseverance as she diligently solves the puzzles left by her grandmother, despite facing numerous challenges.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to stay determined and persist through difficulties, whether in solving complex problems at school or overcoming personal challenges.
Example Lesson: Understanding historical injustices
Explanation: The story explores the racial tensions and injustices of the past, particularly in the Southern United States, educating young readers about important historical contexts.
Real-World Application: This can help children develop a sense of empathy and understanding for the experiences of others, fostering a more inclusive and respectful mindset.
Example Lesson: The value of teamwork
Explanation: Candice teams up with Brandon to uncover the mystery, showing that collaboration can lead to solving complex problems and achieving goals.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to collaborate with others, enhance their communication skills, and appreciate diverse perspectives in group settings or classroom projects.
Example Lesson: Critical thinking
Explanation: Throughout the book, Candice and Brandon employ critical thinking and problem-solving skills to decipher clues and understand historical contexts.
Real-World Application: Children are inspired to employ analytical thinking in their studies or when faced with real-life issues, enhancing their decision-making skills.
Example Lesson: Courage to confront the truth
Explanation: Characters in the book face difficult truths about family and history, showing the courage it takes to accept and confront complex realities.
Real-World Application: This lesson prepares children to face uncomfortable truths and learn from them, encouraging personal growth and honesty in their everyday interactions.