The Stars of Whistling Ridge
on Goodreads (326)
What’s inside...
Ivy Mae Bloom, whose name is one letter away from a complete sentence, has lived her entire life on the road with her mama, a fallen star who travels to tend to the magic of the world. When Ivy steals her Mama's wish jars to find a forever home, they end up stranded in Whistling Ridge, North Carolina with her star aunts. Ivy believes Whistling Ridge is her forever home, but a mysterious force is draining the town's magic, and solving it might mean her family will move again. Ivy must decide whether to help lift the curse, even if it means losing her only home.
Age
8-12
Length
400 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Ivy Mae Bloom
Discussion points
How do you think Ivy feels when she explores the new town of Whistling Ridge, and have you ever felt similar on a new adventure?
What are some ways that Ivy shows her love for her family, and how do you show your love for ours?
Why do you think the stars are important in the story, and what do you think they represent?
If you had the ability like Ivy to impact your surroundings, what would you do differently in your community?
How do the various characters in the story help Ivy along her journey, and who are the people that help you in your life?
Tip: Role play these questions
Before starting each chapter, ask your child to predict what might happen next and why they think that.
Encourage your child to draw parallels between their life and Ivy’s adventures to deepen their connection with the story.
After reading, ask your child to summarize the key events of the chapter to foster their comprehension and recall skills.
Use the themes of family and belonging in the book to initiate conversations about these concepts in your child’s own life.
Introduce the idea of magical realism from the book, and explore together how magic can sometimes be found in everyday life.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Resilience in the face of adversity
Explanation: In 'The Stars of Whistling Ridge', the protagonist Ivy experiences numerous challenges as she embarks on a magical journey to find her grandmother and save her family. She confronts and overcomes various obstacles with courage and determination.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of perseverance and resilience. When facing difficulties in school or in personal relationships, the lesson from Ivy's journey encourages them to persist and overcome challenges.
Example Lesson: Importance of family and belonging
Explanation: Throughout the story, Ivy's close-knit family and their mutual support play a crucial role in her quest. The narrative stresses the significance of family bonds and the sense of belonging it provides.
Real-World Application: This lesson can help children value and strengthen their family relationships. Understanding and appreciating the support system they have at home can enhance their emotional security and development.
Example Lesson: Embracing change and personal growth
Explanation: The journey in 'The Stars of Whistling Ridge' is not only physical but also a metaphor for personal growth. Ivy’s character evolves as she faces new environments and situations, learning to adapt and grow from her experiences.
Real-World Application: Children are often faced with new scenarios—whether moving to a new school or learning a new skill. This story encourages them to embrace these changes positively, recognizing that growth often comes from change.
Example Lesson: Value of courage and taking initiative
Explanation: Ivy's courageous decisions, such as setting out to find her grandmother and facing mystical elements, highlight the importance of taking initiative in critical situations.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to be proactive and brave in their daily interactions and decisions, teaching them to stand up for themselves and others, and to take action when needed.