Where the Sky Lives
What’s inside...
Twelve-year-old amateur astronomer, Tuesday Beals, faces changes when the private preserve next to Zion National Park is sold, and her park archeologist mother announces they are moving. Struggling to cope with her uncle's death, Tuesday turns to photography, and in the process, discovers clues of an endangered animal that may halt the construction of a new housing development threatening her favorite stargazing spots. As she attempts to solve her late uncle's riddle and save the land, Tuesday embarks on a journey of self-discovery and healing.
Age
8-12
Length
336 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Sunday "Sunny" Hailey
Discussion points
How do you think the sky might feel if it were a person, based on the book 'Where the Sky Lives'?
What would you ask the sky if you could talk to it, like the characters in the book?
The story shows different moods of the sky. Which mood of the sky do you like the most and why?
Can you think of a time when you felt a connection with nature like the characters in our book?
What did you learn about how the sky affects our world from reading this book?
Tip: Role play these questions
Before reading, ask your child what they know about the sky and its role in nature to gauge their prior knowledge.
After reading a section, pause and relate the emotions shown in the book with real-life scenarios your child might have experienced, enhancing emotional comprehension.
Encourage your child to draw their version of the sky as described in the book. Discuss their artwork to further delve into their interpretation and understanding.
Use expressive read-aloud techniques, changing your voice for different moods of the sky to make the reading session interactive and lively.
At the end of the book, collaborate with your child to write a short letter or poem to the sky, using themes or messages from the book as inspiration.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Empathy and Understanding
Explanation: In 'Where the Sky Lives', the protagonist learns to understand different perspectives and emotions of the characters around them, promoting empathy.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to consider the feelings of their friends and family, understanding that everyone has unique emotions and perspectives.
Example Lesson: Perseverance and Problem Solving
Explanation: The characters in the book face challenges that they overcome through determination and innovative thinking, emphasizing the importance of not giving up.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to persist in solving everyday problems and to find creative solutions in challenging situations.
Example Lesson: Appreciation of Nature
Explanation: The story's setting and interactions stress the beauty and importance of the natural world, fostering a connection with the environment.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to explore and appreciate their own natural surroundings, promoting outdoor activities and environmental consciousness.
Example Lesson: The Value of Friendship
Explanation: Characters in 'Where the Sky Lives' form strong bonds and support each other, showing the positive impacts of friendship.
Real-World Application: This can help children understand the importance of building and maintaining friendships, and supporting their friends through various situations.
Example Lesson: Courage to Face the Unknown
Explanation: As the characters venture into new environments and experiences, they demonstrate bravery, teaching children to face the unknown with courage.
Real-World Application: This inspires children to embrace new experiences, such as starting a new school or trying a new activity, with confidence and bravery.