Union
on Goodreads (78)
What’s inside...
Abuse at the hands of his mother's boyfriend has left fifteen-year-old Tuck broken and untrusting. But then he falls hard for his childhood friend Grace and starts to imagine a life where he is happy. At the fast-food restaurant where he works, Tuck is asked to explore starting up a union. His new sense of purpose, combined with his growing love for Grace, helps Tuck come to terms with his pain and find the strength to begin the healing process.
Age
11-12
Length
83 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think the main message of 'Union' is and why is it important?
How did the characters in the book handle conflict or differences?
Can you think of a time when you had to work together with someone different from you to achieve a common goal?
What are some ways you can help create unity in your own community or school?
How do you think the story would change if it took place in our hometown?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their thoughts and feelings about the book’s themes, validating their opinions and gently guiding the conversation towards the core messages of unity and cooperation.
Draw parallels between the conflicts in the book and real-life situations your child might encounter, helping them apply the book's lessons to their own experiences.
Ask your child to imagine alternative endings or scenarios in the book, fostering creative thinking and deeper understanding of the characters’ motivations and actions.
Create a small project or activity based on the book's theme, like a collaborative art piece or community service, to reinforce the message of unity and cooperation in a tangible way.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Teamwork and Collaboration
Explanation: The story highlights how characters work together to solve problems, emphasizing the importance of collaboration.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by participating in group activities at school or in sports, learning to cooperate and achieve common goals with their peers.
Example Lesson: Resilience in the Face of Challenges
Explanation: Throughout the book, characters encounter and overcome various obstacles, showcasing the power of persistence.
Real-World Application: This lesson can help children understand the value of persistence in everyday challenges, whether in completing homework, learning a new skill, or resolving conflicts with friends.
Example Lesson: Importance of Inclusivity
Explanation: The narrative promotes inclusivity, with characters from diverse backgrounds coming together, teaching the value of accepting and valuing everyone's unique traits.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to embrace diversity in their community and school, respecting and appreciating what makes each person unique.
Example Lesson: Creative Problem Solving
Explanation: The book showcases characters using creativity to navigate difficult situations, underscoring the importance of thinking outside the box.
Real-World Application: Kids can be encouraged to use imaginative thinking in their playtime and studies, finding innovative solutions to problems.
Example Lesson: Empathy and Understanding
Explanation: Characters in the story often put themselves in others' shoes, which helps them understand different perspectives and resolve conflicts.
Real-World Application: This can teach children the importance of empathy in real-life interactions, helping them build better relationships and foster a supportive environment.