You Only Live Once, David Bravo
on Goodreads (366)
What’s inside...
Middle school is a challenging time for David Bravo, who not only has to navigate school without his best friend Antoine, but also grapples with his identity as an adopted child. After an accident during a cross-country race injures Antoine, David wishes for a chance to redo things, inadvertently summoning Fea, a talking dog and timeline guide. Fea reveals that a past decision put David on the wrong timeline, and together they embark on a series of time-jumping adventures to correct it. Through their journeys, they encounter unexpected discoveries and learn important lessons about identity and choices. This laugh-out-loud, heartwarming novel from Mark Oshiro, an award-winning author, combines elements reminiscent of 'Coco' and 'Sliding Doors', exploring how our choices shape our identity and future.
Age
8-12
Length
384 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
David Bravo
Fea
Discussion points
What would you do if you had the chance to redo a day, just like David Bravo?
How do you think making different choices can change the outcome of a day?
David faces some challenges but also has fun. Can you share a similar experience?
Why do you think David wanted to redo his day? What would you have done differently?
How did David’s actions affect the people around him? Can you think of a time when your actions affected others?
Tip: Role play these questions
Relate the book’s theme to personal experiences: Encourage your child to draw parallels between their life and David's experiences.
Discuss cause and effect: Use examples from the book to illustrate how David's choices led to different outcomes.
Highlight decision-making: Ask your child how they make decisions and how they might handle similar situations differently.
Create a comfortable environment: Foster open communication by making this discussion a fun and relaxed activity.
Encourage empathy: Guide your child to consider how the characters might feel about the outcomes of their decisions.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Understanding consequences of actions
Explanation: David Bravo's journey teaches the importance of considering the consequences before making decisions.
Real-World Application: Children learn to think ahead about the possible outcomes of their actions, enhancing decision-making skills.
Example Lesson: Value of courage and resilience
Explanation: Through various challenges, David demonstrates the importance of courage in facing difficulties and the resilience to overcome them.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to be brave when facing their own challenges and to persevere until they achieve their goals.
Example Lesson: Importance of empathy and kindness
Explanation: David's interactions illustrate how understanding and kindness towards others can lead to meaningful relationships and positive outcomes.
Real-World Application: Children are inspired to practice empathy in their daily interactions, fostering a more compassionate attitude towards others.
Example Lesson: Learning from mistakes
Explanation: David makes several mistakes along his path, yet each mistake becomes a learning opportunity, emphasizing growth and self-improvement.
Real-World Application: This lesson helps children understand that mistakes are a natural part of learning and can be used as stepping stones to better oneself.
Example Lesson: Exploration and curiosity
Explanation: David's adventurous spirit showcases the benefits of exploring new ideas and learning more about the world.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to be curious and to seek knowledge, expanding their understanding and appreciation of the world around them.