A Brave Writer's Life in Brief

Opal lives a quiet life with her father, a preacher. Both of them still miss Opal’s mother, who abandoned them years ago, and neither of them quite know what to say to each other in her absence. They’ve just moved to a trailer park in a town called Naomi, and as her father isn’t the sort to introduce himself to new people, it’s up to Opal. One of the first people she meets isn’t actually a person, but a stray dog, whom Opal calls Winn-Dixie (after a supermarket).

Over the summer, Opal and Winn-Dixie get to know the people of Naomi—the librarian, the pet shop owner, and Gloria Dump who has a tree covered in bottles—and Opal even gets to know her father better. Winn-Dixie might be Opal’s greatest friend, until a storm breaks out during a community party, and Opal might end up losing him as well.

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Because of Winn-Dixie was adapted into a film in 2005, directed by Wayne Wang with a screenplay by Joan Singleton, based on the novel of the same name by Kate DiCamillo. It’s a film for the whole family about redemption, new beginnings and learning to let go.

Discussion Questions

• If you’ve read the book, how do you think the film compares?
• Have you ever had a pet? What do you think a pet brings to one’s life?
• Gloria Dump has a special “mistake tree” to show all the mistakes she’s made. What would your mistake tree have on it?
• Winn-Dixie has a fear of lightning. Do you have any strong fears like that? How do you combat them?
• Opal names Winn-Dixie after a supermarket. Think of unusual names you might name an animal.

Additional Resources

Because of Winn-Dixie themed activities

Literary studies ideas for Because of Winn-Dixie

23 pickling recipes

Learning language arts with the Because of Winn-Dixie Arrow!

The Arrow is the monthly digital product that features copywork and dictation passages from a specific read aloud novel (you purchase or obtain the novels yourself). It’s geared toward children ages 8-11 and is an indispensable tool for parents who want to teach language arts in a natural, literature-bathed context.

One of the most successful book series of all time, Harry Potter has enchanted several different generations and inspired millions.

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The books have all been adapted into an equally successful film series, beginning with the first one, Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone (links to digital edition).

Orphaned as a baby and living with his horrible aunt and uncle, Harry James Potter isn’t the happiest boy in the world… until a giant kicks down the front door and tells him he’s a wizard. Enrolled at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, Harry’s life becomes quite literally magical. He makes new friends, Ron and Hermione, learns extraordinary spells, and discovers a secret hidden at the heart of the school. The teachers at Hogwarts are protecting something, and it may be in a lot more danger than they think…

You may well have seen it before, but the first Harry Potter film is still a marvelous experience for the whole family.

Discussion Questions

• If you’ve read the book, how do you think the film compares?
• A character arc is the “transformation or inner journey of a character over the course of a story.” How do you think Harry, Ron and Hermione change throughout the film?
• Is Hogwarts really a safe place for children, considering how many dangerous animals live in the grounds? Would you want to actually go there? Why or why not.
• Harry essentially kills Quirrell at the film’s climax, unlike in the novel. How do you feel about this rather dark alteration?
• When a series is loved by millions, as Harry Potter is, we can sometimes lose sight of what makes it so special to us. What does the story of Harry Potter mean to you personally?

Additional Resources

• Potter Party Mania! – How to plan and execute a very Harry Potter party!
• Harry Potter Crafts – A great resource for all things Potter crafts. Everything from knitting to food.
• Harry Potter Recipes – 13 recipes every Harry Potter fan will love.

Written in 1925 by F. Scott Fitzgerald, The Great Gatsby is widely considered a masterpiece.

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Over the years the book has been adapted into ballets, plays, and several films; and in 2013 it was made into a film again, a luscious extravaganza directed by Baz Luhrmann  and starring Leonardo DiCaprio (in order to evaluate whether or not this PG-13 movie is appropriate for your family, we recommend watching it first and/or using the Kids-in-Mind website).

Plot Summary

In the 1920s, Nick Carraway spends a summer on Long Island, experiencing the wild lifestyle of the East and visiting his beautiful cousin Daisy. Nick’s neighbor, Mr Gatsby, throws the most expensive and exciting parties in the country, even though he himself is never seen. All these parties are held for one reason—to attract Daisy, whom Gatsby has loved for years. But is there any hope for Daisy and Gatsby when they finally meet again? And what will happen when Daisy’s brutal husband Tom finds out?

Discussion Questions

• How do you think the film compares to to the book?
• Which character do you sympathize with the most and why? Do you think any of them are irrefutably right or wrong in what they believe and do? Explain.
• The film is full of visual metaphors—the clock Gatsby nearly breaks, doors banging open, Daisy’s pearl necklace and the green light at the end of the dock. What do you think these represent?
• The ending of the film is extremely downbeat, with none of the main characters ending up truly happy. Do you prefer happy endings in films? Why or why not.

Additional Resources

Great Gatsby Fried Chicken – How to make Great Gatsby fried chicken!

How to plan a Great Gatsby themed party – Tinsel chandeliers, table settings, and flo

Learn language arts with the The Great Gatsby Slingshot!

The Slingshot is a bi-monthly digital downloadable product that features copywork and dictation passages from a specific novel. It is geared toward teens ages 15–18 and is the indispensable tool for Brave Writer parents who want to teach language arts in a natural, literature-bathed context.

Cressida Cowell’s How to Train Your Dragon has captivated millions since it was first published.

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In 2012 the book was adapted into a film. The film is very different from the book, but it’s a gorgeous piece of work that’s definitely worth a watch.

On the storm-tossed island of Berk, Vikings and dragons are locked in a brutal war. Hiccup, teenage son of the Chief, has a lot on his shoulders and is desperate to prove himself. But when he shoots down a dragon in battle, he can’t bring himself to kill it—and the dragon can’t bring itself to kill Hiccup.

In utmost secret, Hiccup gradually befriends the dragon, whom he names Toothless. Their friendship might change the world. But Hiccup’s friends are growing closer to discovering the truth, and the Vikings and dragons are getting closer and closer to wiping each other out. It might already be too late.

Beautifully animated and with an important message at its heart, How to Train Your Dragon is a superb film for the whole family.

Discussion Questions

• The movie is quite a loose adaptation of the book. It uses the original idea to create new characters and a new story line. Do you enjoy films like that or do you prefer adaptations that stick more closely to the source material? Explain your answer.
• How does the soundtrack contribute to the cinematic experience?
• Would the film work as live action? Give examples where it might or might not work as well.
• Though the tribe call themselves Vikings, they bear little resemblance to historical Vikings. Does historical accuracy matter in a fantasy film? Why or why not?
• Would you like to own a dragon? If so, what kind?

Additional Resources

How to Train Your Dragon party ideas – DIY ideas for a How to Train Your Dragon themed kids party.

Make Your Own Viking Helmet – Create your own Viking helmet.

Learn language arts naturally with the How to Train Your Dragon Arrow!

The Arrow is the monthly digital product that features copywork and dictation passages from a specific read aloud novel (you purchase or obtain the novels yourself).

It’s geared toward children ages 8-11 and is an indispensable tool for parents who want to teach language arts in a natural, literature-bathed context.