When the Past Is a Present (Amelia Rules!)
#4 in Amelia Rules! Series
on Goodreads (489)
What’s inside...
When her Aunt Tanner brings out a box of mementos, ten-year-old Amelia Louise McBride learns things about her family history that help her deal with such current issues as her first date and the deployment of a friend's father to Iraq. In this fourth installment of Amelia Rules!, Amelia discovers a box of old photos and learns a thing or two about love, rebellion, and what it means to be a family.
Character compass
Amelia Mcbride
Pajamaman
Rhonda Bleenie
Reggie Grabinsky
Aunt Tanner
Discussion points
What would you do if you found a box of old photos like Amelia did? How would you feel?
Amelia learns a lot about her family's history through the box. Which family story was your favorite, and why?
How do the discoveries Amelia makes about her family change her view on her own life?
If you could preserve one memory for the future like Amelia, what would it be and why?
How important do you think it is to keep old items and memories from the past?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their thoughts and feelings about the story without suggesting there are right or wrong answers. Share your own related experiences or family stories to make the conversation more relatable. Focus on listening actively to what your child shares, showing interest in their perspectives, and asking follow-up questions to dig deeper into their thoughts.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Empathy
Explanation: The protagonist, Amelia, navigates complex friendships and family dynamics, showing readers how to understand and share the feelings of others.
Real-World Application: Children can apply empathy in their interactions with peers and family, leading to more harmonious relationships and a better understanding of others' perspectives.
Example Lesson: Resilience
Explanation: Throughout the story, Amelia faces various challenges but continually finds ways to cope and adapt, demonstrating resilience.
Real-World Application: Kids learn to persevere through their own challenges, whether it’s problems at school, home, or with friends.
Example Lesson: The importance of history and family stories
Explanation: Amelia learns valuable lessons from her family's past, which highlights the importance of preserving and respecting familial history.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to explore their own family stories and learn from the experiences of their ancestors.
Example Lesson: Problem-solving
Explanation: Amelia often finds herself in situations where she has to think critically and creatively to resolve conflicts or find out truths.
Real-World Application: This can inspire children to approach their problems with a critical mind and look for creative solutions.