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Sun & Spoon (by Kevin Henkes)

common sense media says

Boy seeks something to remember his grandmother.

parents & educators say
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What parents need to know

Parents need to know that the theme is the different ways people deal with grief and loss.

Positive messages: Not applicable.
Violence: Not applicable.
Sex: Not applicable.
Language: Not applicable.
Consumerism: Cereal brands mentioned.
Drinking, drugs, & smoking: Not applicable.
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More on Sun & Spoon

What to talk about

Talk to your kids
Families can talk about holding onto memories of loved ones. How do you keep close the people you miss most?

What's the story?

What's the story?
"Spoon Gilmore's grandmother had been dead for two months when he realized he wanted something special of hers to keep." So begins this gentle little story about a warm-hearted boy coming to terms with the death of a beloved member of his family. But Spoon isn't alone in his grief; his grandfather is changing before his eyes. When Spoon impulsively takes his grandmother's favorite deck of cards to remember her, his grandfather soon notices its absence, and Spoon doesn't know what to do. But giving them back turns out to be just the first step in finding what he was looking for.

Is it any good?

Is it any good?
 

This delicate, poignant story is enriched by delightful characters: Spoon's eccentric, poetic little sister Joanie, who carries branches around in a suitcase and calls them tree bones; his tender, grieving grandfather; and Spoon himself, deeply thoughtful and caring, afraid that his memories of his grandmother are fading. Kevin Henkes shows his mastery here, making this simple story affecting without sentimentality, and compelling without contrived dramatics. A small masterpiece.

Book themes & details

Book Details
Author: Kevin Henkes
Publisher: William Morrow
Publication date: November 14, 2004
Number of pages: 144
Hardcover price: $15.00
This review was written by Matt Berman
 
 

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Most useful reviews by all members

marjorieboozer
parent of 8 year old
7
 
perfect for kids of all ages and adults
love it
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was this review useful?
helped me decide (3) | had useful details (2) | read my mind (1)
Melissa A
educator
8
 
Perfect for all ages
I read this book because I wanted to make sure that it was appropriate to use as a book for book club for my third grade students. I think it is a great choice for this purpose. Children will need help with some decoding of words and defining some wonderful vocabulary. I loved how Henkes handled the difficult subject matter on many values. The adults in this book are wise and perceptive. They are wonderful examples of how children should be treated with respect to guide them through difficult moments in their young lives. I look forward to the conversations my students with have with each other!
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was this review useful?
helped me decide (1) | had useful details (1) | read my mind (2)

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