Time of Our Lives
on Goodreads (2,268)
What’s inside...
Time of Our Lives follows two teenagers, Fitz Holton and Juniper Ramirez, as they navigate their own family struggles and personal aspirations. Fitz, plagued by his mother's early-onset Alzheimer's, is hesitant to leave home for college, while Juniper yearns for independence away from her crowded household. When the two meet during a college tour in Boston, their immediate clash gives way to a deep connection. Through each other, they explore alternate possibilities and confront the big decisions of their adult lives. Caught between obligations at home and the desire for freedom, they must decide where their loyalties and dreams truly lie.
Age
13-14
Length
384 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Fitz Holton
Juniper Ramirez
Discussion points
What did you think about the decisions that Fitz and Juniper made throughout the story? How would you have handled their situations?
Fitz and Juniper each have their own dreams and ambitions. What are some of your dreams for the future?
How do the family dynamics in the book compare to our family? What can we learn from the characters’ experiences?
The theme of 'future' is central in this book. What does the future mean to you?
Do you think moving away for college or staying close to home is better? What are the pros and cons of each option based on the story?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use open-ended questions to allow your child to express their thoughts and feelings freely about the story and its characters.
Relate the characters’ experiences to real-life scenarios in your child’s life to deepen understanding and personal connection.
Discuss each character’s choices and outcomes to help your child analyze different perspectives and consequences.
Encourage your child to reflect on how their current decisions can impact their own future, drawing parallels to the characters’ lives in the book.
Allow the conversation to naturally evolve, encouraging your child to ask questions and explore the themes further with curiosity.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of communication
Explanation: Throughout the book, characters navigate through their personal and interpersonal challenges by opening up and expressing their feelings.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to articulate their thoughts and emotions effectively, aiding in better relationships with peers and family.
Example Lesson: Value of time and making choices
Explanation: The protagonists face decisions that influence their futures, underscoring the concept that time is precious and every choice counts.
Real-World Application: This can help children understand the importance of decision-making and prioritizing in their daily activities and long-term goals.
Example Lesson: Embracing change and growth
Explanation: As characters in the book graduate and transition into new stages of their lives, they learn to adapt and embrace the changes.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to see change as a natural and positive part of life, helping them to adapt to new environments or changes in their own lives.
Example Lesson: Understanding and respecting different perspectives
Explanation: Characters in the story come from various backgrounds and have differing ambitions, which are portrayed sympathetically and respectfully.
Real-World Application: This lesson can encourage children to be open-minded and respectful towards people with different views and cultures.
Example Lesson: Persistence and resilience
Explanation: The book shows characters facing setbacks but continuing to pursue their goals, demonstrating resilience.
Real-World Application: This can inspire children to persist in the face of challenges, whether it be in school, sports, or other activities.