Things That Are
#3 of 3 in Things Series
on Goodreads (1,929)
What’s inside...
Alicia may be blind, but that doesn't mean she can't see what is happening right in front of her eyes. Like how her parents try to give her freedom. Or how Bobby now Robert has returned to figure out their relationship. Or even the invisible man, William, and just how dangerous he is to Alicia, to Robert, to their whole family or so the police say. Or is Alicia wrong this time? If her normally sharp instincts are wrong, the results could be disastrous. From award-winning author Andrew Clements, here is a novel full of adventure, romance, and mystery, which at its heart is about trusting even things we know but cannot see.
Character compass
Alicia Van Dorn
Bobby Phillips
William
Discussion points
What are some 'things that are' mentioned in the book that you found interesting or surprising?
How do you think the characters felt when they discovered new 'things that are'?
If you could add your own chapter to the book, what 'thing that is' would you write about and why?
How do the 'things that are' in the book relate to our daily lives or the world around us?
What important lessons can we learn from understanding different 'things that are'?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start by sharing your own thoughts about a 'thing that is' from the book to model reflective thinking.
Encourage your child to draw or create a visual representation of one of the 'things that are' to deepen their understanding and connection to the book.
Ask follow-up questions based on your child's responses to encourage deeper thinking and extend the conversation.
Relate the discussion to real-life examples or similar 'things that are' in your child’s environment to make the abstract concepts more tangible.
Praise your child's responses and insights to build their confidence in expressing their thoughts and ideas about what they read.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of curiosity
Explanation: In 'Things That Are,' the protagonist's inquisitive nature drives the narrative, showcasing how curiosity leads to new discoveries and understanding.
Real-World Application: Encouraging children to ask questions about the world around them enhances their knowledge and critical thinking skills.
Example Lesson: Value of friendship
Explanation: The story emphasizes strong relationships and portrays how friends can support each other through various challenges, emphasizing empathy and trust.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of building and maintaining healthy relationships, which is crucial for emotional and social development.
Example Lesson: Understanding differences
Explanation: Characters in the book come from diverse backgrounds and have unique perspectives, teaching respect and appreciation for individual differences.
Real-World Application: This lesson helps children in embracing diversity in their communities and being open-minded towards others’ views and experiences.
Example Lesson: Perseverance in problem-solving
Explanation: The book highlights characters facing and solving problems, which illustrates the value of persistence and creative thinking when confronted with obstacles.
Real-World Application: This lesson prepares children to tackle real-life challenges with determination and innovative approaches, fostering resilience.
Example Lesson: Responsible decision-making
Explanation: Throughout the book, characters make choices that involve considering the consequences, underscoring the importance of thoughtful decisions.
Real-World Application: Teaching children to weigh options and foresee outcomes helps them make informed, responsible choices in their daily interactions and long-term plans.