Will on the Inside
on Goodreads (276)
What’s inside...
After being sidelined from soccer and his friend group due to Crohn’s disease, Will navigates the complexities of chronic illness and his sexuality in a religious Georgia town. This heartfelt middle-grade novel explores identity and friendship, with relatable characters and engrossing storytelling. Praised by Publishers Weekly and School Library Journal, it’s essential for fans of Maulik Pancholy and Christine Day.
Age
8-12
Length
304 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How do you think Will felt when he first arrived at his new school, and why?
What are some ways Will tried to fit in with his classmates? Have you ever felt the need to fit in?
Who was Will's biggest supporter in the story and what did they do to help him?
How did Will change by the end of the book and what do you think prompted this change?
What is the most important lesson Will learned about friendship and trust?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their feelings about different events in the book, relating them to their own experiences at school or with friends.
Discuss the importance of empathy and understanding by asking your child how they would feel in Will's situation.
Highlight the characters' different perspectives to help your child understand diverse viewpoints and develop critical thinking.
Use examples from the book to talk about the value of honesty and being true to oneself.
Pause at key moments in the story to predict what might happen next, enhancing your child's analytical skills.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Empathy and Understanding
Explanation: Through Will’s experiences and interactions inside a diverse middle school setting, readers learn the importance of understanding and empathizing with different perspectives.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by being more considerate and understanding towards their classmates who may come from different backgrounds or have different experiences.
Example Lesson: Courage to face one's fears
Explanation: Will confronts his personal fears of acceptance and fitting in, which highlights the value of courage in overcoming personal obstacles.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to face their own fears whether it’s trying out for a sports team, standing up to a bully, or speaking up in class.
Example Lesson: Importance of Self-Identity
Explanation: In his journey, Will learns to embrace his unique qualities instead of hiding them to fit in, teaching the importance of authenticity.
Real-World Application: Kids can learn to value and express their true selves in various social situations, promoting self-confidence and integrity.
Example Lesson: Resilience through Challenges
Explanation: Despite facing bullying and misunderstanding, Will's resilience in the face of adversity is a central theme.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to persevere through their personal challenges, understanding that resilience is key to overcoming difficulties.