Exploring Big Feelings

Students participate in a guided discussion about hearing upsetting or confusing news. The teacher establishes a safe environment and emphasizes that emotions such as worry, sadness or anger are valid. Students share coping strategies and discuss how children can be...

Stop & Reflect

Pause after selected pages and ask students what the child on that page is saying about friendship. Encourage students to restate ideas in their own words.

Chapter-by-Chapter Discussion Questions

Prologue Why is this night in the backyard different from other nights Leo and Ralph have spent together? What do we learn about Leo’s feelings from the way he talks about moving? Why do you think Leo throws the telescope away? What does the backward goodbye show...

Identity & Hope

Pause at examples of youth activists. Students reflect: How does their identity shape the way they bring hope to the world?