The Way Back Home
#3 of 4 in The Boy Series
on Goodreads (3,979)
What’s inside...
The story follows a young boy who finds an airplane in his closet and flies it into space, only to run out of fuel and become stranded on the moon. There, he meets a Martian who has also been marooned. Together, they come up with a plan to fix their ships and return home, forming a unique friendship in the process. New cover reissue of this magical story from award-winning international bestselling picture book creator of Lost and Found, Oliver Jeffers. Once there was a boy, and one day, he found an aeroplane in his cupboard… He didn’t remember leaving it in there, but he thought he’d take it out for a go right away. At first, all went well and the plane flew higher and higher until… suddenly, with a splutter, it ran out of petrol. The boy was stuck on the moon… and he was not alone…
Character compass
The Boy
Martian
Discussion points
How do you think the boy felt when he met the Martian? Can you imagine meeting someone from another place?
What would you do if you were stuck on the moon like the boy and the Martian?
Why do you think the boy and the Martian helped each other to fix their machines?
How did the boy and the Martian feel when they had to say goodbye? Have you ever felt that way?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use a gentle and curious tone when asking these questions to make your child feel comfortable sharing their thoughts and feelings.
Relate the story to your child's experiences, such as making new friends or helping others, to make the conversation more relatable and engaging.
Encourage your child to think creatively by asking them what they would pack in their own adventure to space.
After discussing the questions, you might encourage your child to draw a picture of their favorite part of the story, enhancing their connection to the book’s themes.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Problem-solving and innovation
Explanation: In 'The Way Back Home', the boy and the Martian work together to fix their stranded spaceships. They brainstorm and come up with creative solutions to get back home.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to think creatively and work through challenges they face in school or while interacting with friends. This mindset encourages a proactive approach to problem-solving.
Example Lesson: Empathy and friendship
Explanation: The story demonstrates how the boy and the Martian, despite being from different worlds, form a bond and help each other. This shows the power of empathy and understanding.
Real-World Application: This lesson can be applied in a child’s everyday interaction with peers, teaching them to be empathetic and supportive, and to value friendships regardless of differences.
Example Lesson: Courage and adventure
Explanation: The main character exhibits courage by embarking on an unexpected journey to space and facing unknown challenges, which encourages an adventurous spirit.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of stepping out of their comfort zones and embracing new experiences, whether it is trying new activities or making new friends.
Example Lesson: Cooperation and teamwork
Explanation: Both characters demonstrate cooperation by sharing resources and ideas to help each other. The mutual assistance highlights the benefits of teamwork.
Real-World Application: This can teach children the importance of working together in group settings such as in classrooms, sports teams, or family activities to achieve common goals.