When You Were Here
on Goodreads (3,689)
What’s inside...
Danny's mother died three weeks before his graduation after battling cancer for 5 years. Her dying wish was to see Danny graduate, but she couldn't make it. Left alone, Danny is overwhelmed by the responsibilities of handling her estate and preparing his Valedictorian speech. A letter from his mom's property manager in Tokyo reveals a side of her life he never knew. Determined to overcome his grief, Danny travels to Tokyo to connect with his mother's past. Along the way, he encounters humor, warmth, a loyal dog named Sandy Koufax, an estranged love, and a vibrant Japanese friend whose zest for life helps him cope with his loss. Filled with humor, raw emotion, a strong voice, and a brilliant dog named Sandy Koufax, When You Were Here explores the two most powerful forces known to man-death and love. Daisy Whitney brings her characters to life with a deft touch and resonating authenticity. Danny's mother lost her five-year battle with cancer three weeks before his graduation-the one day that she was hanging on to see. Now Danny is left alone, with only his memories, his dog, and his heart-breaking ex-girlfriend for company. He doesn't know how to figure out what to do with her estate, what to say for his Valedictorian speech, let alone how to live or be happy anymore. When he gets a letter from his mom's property manager in Tokyo, where she had been going for treatment, it reveals a side of his mother he never knew. So, with no other sense of direction, Danny travels to Tokyo to connect with his mother's memory and make sense of her final months, which seemed filled with more joy than Danny ever knew. There, among the cherry blossoms, temples, and crowds, and with the help of an almost-but-definitely-not Harajuku girl, he begins to see how it may not have been ancient magic or mystical treatment that kept his mother going. Perhaps, the secret of how to live lies in how she died.
Age
11-12
Length
272 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Danny
Holland
Kana
Discussion points
How do you think Danny felt when he was trying to understand his mother's letters? Can you relate to a time when you tried to understand something important?
What did you think about the setting in Tokyo? How does exploring a new place change the way characters in the story feel or act?
Why do you think the author chose a crane as an important symbol in the story? What do you think it represents?
How do the relationships between Danny and his friends and family change throughout the book? Why are these changes important?
Tip: Role play these questions
Utilize pauses after reading significant passages to ask your child how they feel about the events or the decisions characters made.
Encourage your child to express their thoughts by relating the story's themes to their own experiences. This builds empathy and deeper understanding.
Discuss the symbolism in the book, like the crane, and ask your child what other symbols they noticed and what they might represent.
Highlight Danny’s emotional journey and relate it to the importance of resilience and support from loved ones in overcoming difficult situations.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Coping with Loss
Explanation: The protagonist deals with the grief of losing his mother, showcasing the natural feelings and process of mourning.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to understand and express their feelings related to loss, helping them cope with similar situations in their own lives.
Example Lesson: The Importance of Closure
Explanation: The journey the protagonist takes to understand his mother's life teaches the need for closure to heal.
Real-World Application: This can help children understand the value of seeking answers and closure in difficult times, aiding their emotional healing process.
Example Lesson: Cultural Appreciation
Explanation: The protagonist explores his mother's past in Tokyo, learning about the culture and integrating it into his own life.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to explore and appreciate diverse cultures, promoting inclusivity and broadening their worldviews.
Example Lesson: Value of Relationships
Explanation: Through reconnecting with old friends and meeting new people, the protagonist learns about the support systems in life.
Real-World Application: Teaches children to value and nurture relationships, understanding their fundamental role in personal growth and support.
Example Lesson: Resilience and Personal Growth
Explanation: Despite the pain, the protagonist finds strength in his experiences, showing his personal growth throughout the story.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to find strength in their struggles, emphasizing resilience and the continuous journey of self-discovery.