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The Year We Fell From Space (Scholastic Gold)

4.10
on Goodreads (1,476)

What’s inside...

The deeply affecting next book from acclaimed author Amy Sarig King. Liberty Johansen is going to change the way we look at the night sky. Most people see the old constellations, the things they've been told to see. But Liberty sees new patterns, pictures, and possibilities. She's an exception. Some other exceptions: Her dad, who gave her the stars. Who moved out months ago and hasn't talked to her since. Her mom, who's happier since he left, even though everyone thinks she should be sad and lonely. And her sister, who won't go outside their house. Liberty feels like her whole world is falling from space. Can she map a new life for herself and her family before they spin too far out of reach? Middle schooler Liberty likes to make her own maps of the stars, in fact she is obsessed with them, especially since her family is falling apart; her parents are getting divorced, her nine-year-old sister will barely leave the house and carries a stuffed tiger at all times, her father is suffering from depression, but will not talk about it, and the brothers down the street, once friends, have turned into bullies--so when a tiny meteorite literally falls in her lap it is like a sign, but a sign of what?
Age

8-12

Length

288 pages

Text complexity

Character compass

Liberty Johansen
Mother Johansen
Jilly Johansen
Father Johansen

Discussion points

How do you think Liberty felt when her world started changing, and how would you feel in her situation?
What does the sky and space mean to Liberty in the story, and what do you think it symbolizes?
How do Liberty’s friendships change throughout the book, and why are these relationships important?
What are some ways the characters in the book handle their feelings, and what can we learn from them?
How does the theme of hope play a role in 'The Year We Fell From Space'?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their feelings about the book’s events, relating them to their personal experiences.
Discuss the symbolism of space and the stars, asking your child what these elements might represent in their own life.
Highlight the importance of friendships and support systems, prompting your child to share stories of their friends and how they help each other.
Explore the coping mechanisms characters use in the story, and discuss with your child healthy ways to deal with emotions.
Talk about the concept of hope and resilience, and ask your child to think of moments when they felt hopeful and why.

Key lessons

Example Lesson: Embracing Change
Explanation: The protagonist, Liberty, navigates through her parents' divorce and learns to adapt to her changing family dynamics. This journey portrays the inevitability and acceptance of change in life.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to be more adaptable and resilient in the face of life changes such as moving to a new school or changes in family structure.
Example Lesson: Understanding and Managing Emotions
Explanation: Throughout the book, Liberty experiences a range of emotions, and with the help of a meteorite, she starts understanding and expressing her feelings better.
Real-World Application: This lesson can help children recognize their own emotions and understand that it's okay to express how they feel, aiding in emotional intelligence development.
Example Lesson: The Importance of Family Support
Explanation: Liberty learns the value of her family's support as they navigate their challenges together, emphasizing that despite changes, family can be a source of comfort and stability.
Real-World Application: Children can appreciate and seek support from family members during challenging times, reinforcing family bonds.
Example Lesson: Problem-Solving Skills
Explanation: The characters in the story often encounter problems that they solve collaboratively, showcasing effective problem-solving strategies.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to approach their own problems with a positive attitude and to seek help from others when needed.