Throwing Shadows
on Goodreads (254)
What’s inside...
Five short stories by E.L. Konigsburg explore the theme of self-awareness through chance encounters that change lives forever. The narratives include a retired college president challenging a beachcomber, a store manager accusing a boy of shoplifting, a tour guide bargaining with an orphan, a boy with a broken arm befriending an elderly woman, and a widow and her son encountering antiques dealers. Each story reveals how unexpected meetings can cast shadows on past perceptions and open possibilities for the future.
Age
8-12
Length
176 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How do you think Neil felt when he realized he could throw shadows, and why?
What do you think each character learned about themselves by the end of their story?
Why do you think the author chose shadows as a significant element in the stories?
How do the different stories in the book connect to each other, and what themes are common across them?
If you could throw a shadow that influenced others, what kind of shadow would you cast and why?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their feelings on how each character deals with their challenges and relate it to their personal experiences.
Ask your child to imagine their own story involving a unique ability like throwing shadows to help them connect more deeply with the book’s themes.
Discuss the moral implications of the characters' decisions in the book to nurture empathy and ethical thinking.
Highlight the cause and effect in each storyline to help your child understand narrative structure and enhance their comprehension skills.
Use the different settings within the book to discuss the importance of context in understanding people's actions and decisions.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Empathy and Understanding
Explanation: In 'Throwing Shadows,' characters are portrayed in situations that require understanding different perspectives, particularly through the story of a young boy living with albinism. This helps convey the importance of empathy.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to empathize with peers who may appear different or face unique challenges, fostering a more inclusive environment at school and in social settings.
Example Lesson: Importance of Friendship
Explanation: The book illustrates how friendships can develop between unlikely characters, demonstrating loyalty and mutual respect, regardless of their differences.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the value of building friendships based on mutual trust and respect, rather than superficial traits, encouraging them to be open to forming bonds with diverse individuals.
Example Lesson: Courage and Personal Growth
Explanation: The protagonists in the stories face their fears and embrace new experiences, illustrating personal development and courage.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to face their fears and try new activities, which can lead to personal growth and self-confidence in their abilities.
Example Lesson: Consequences of Actions
Explanation: Through the narratives, children see how the characters' decisions lead to various outcomes, highlighting the impact of personal choices.
Real-World Application: This can help children understand that their actions have consequences and to think critically about the choices they make in their daily interactions.
Example Lesson: Creative Problem Solving
Explanation: The book showcases characters solving problems in innovative ways, emphasizing creativity and resourcefulness.
Real-World Application: Children learn to apply creative thinking to overcome obstacles in school projects or interpersonal relationships, enhancing their problem-solving skills.