The Season of Styx Malone
on Goodreads (3,192)
What’s inside...
This is an extraordinary story of two brothers, Caleb Franklin and BobbyGene, who spent an unforgettable summer with their new, mysterious and charismatic neighbor Styx Malone. The boys are quickly drawn into Styx’s world filled with tricks, adventures and, possibly, the Great Escalator Trade– the secret to the most daring adventure of all.
Character compass
Discussion points
What do you think made Styx Malone such an intriguing character? How do you think his personality influenced Caleb and Bobby Gene?
Why do you think the Great Escalator Trade was so important to the boys? What does it teach us about adventure and taking risks?
How did Caleb and Bobby Gene's friendship change over the summer with Styx around? Can you share a personal experience where a new friend changed your perspective?
What do you think about the setting of the story? How does the small town environment contribute to the boys' adventures?
Styx Malone shows us that everyone has dreams and challenges. What are some of Styx's dreams and challenges, and how does he handle them?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to put themselves in the shoes of the characters, fostering empathy and deeper understanding. Ask them how they would feel in similar situations.
Discuss the moral decisions characters make, asking your child what they would do differently and why.
Explore the theme of friendship with your child: ask what they value in a friendship and how they can relate their personal experiences to the friendships portrayed in the book.
Utilize the book's setting to discuss the impact of environment on personal experiences and adventures. Relate it to your child’s experiences in different environments (e.g., school, vacations).
Stimulate a conversation about dreams and challenges by sharing your own experiences along with discussing Styx's dreams in the book, thus making the conversation two-sided and more engaging.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The value of friendship
Explanation: Throughout 'The Season of Styx Malone,' the characters develop strong bonds of friendship despite their differences, demonstrating trust and loyalty.
Real-World Application: Children can learn how to build trusting relationships and appreciate the diversity in friendships within their own lives.
Example Lesson: The importance of honesty
Explanation: The story emphasizes honesty through the consequences that arise when the main characters make dishonest choices, showing that truthfulness leads to better outcomes.
Real-World Application: This can reinforce to children the significance of being truthful in their everyday interactions and the positive impact it can have on their relationships.
Example Lesson: The consequences of risky behavior
Explanation: As the characters engage in adventurous and sometimes questionable antics, they face both fun and dangerous repercussions, illustrating that actions have consequences.
Real-World Application: This lesson can help children understand the importance of assessing risks and making informed decisions in their daily activities.
Example Lesson: Appreciating family
Explanation: The book portrays various family dynamics and shows the characters learning to appreciate their family members more deeply by the end of the story.
Real-World Application: Children can reflect on their own family relationships and learn the value of family support and unity.
Example Lesson: Personal growth and self-discovery
Explanation: The adventures and experiences of the characters, especially Styx Malone, help them to discover more about themselves and what they value in life.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to be open to new experiences and learning about themselves, promoting personal development.