April's book.
Holden Harris, 18, is locked in a prison of autism where he's been since he was a happy, boisterous three-year-old. At school he is bullied by kids who do not understand that despite his quiet ways and quirky behaviors, Holden is very happy and socially normal on the inside, where he lives in a private world all his own. Then one day the head cheerleader and star of the high school drama production is rehearsing when Holden stops and listens, clearly drawn to the music. Lauren Reynolds notices and takes an interest in him, learning about autism and eventually helping Holden win a spot in the school play.
At the same time Lauren makes a dramatic discovery. Long ago, her parents and Holden's parents were good friends, and she and Holden played together until his diagnosis of autism, at which time Lauren's mother distanced herself from the friendship. Now Lauren's mom and her MLB baseball player father are trapped in an unhappy marriage and a life that is shallow and meaningless. Not until a tragedy takes place at the high school does Lauren take a public stand against the way the more popular privileged kids treat those who are different.
At the same time, Lauren continues to be a friend to Holden and in time their mothers realize that something special is happening. Hurts from the past are dealt with and all around Holden miracles begin to happen in various relationships. The greatest miracle is the change in Holden, himself, and everyone is stunned by the transformation they witness. Ultimately, the community comes to understand that many people walk around in a personal prison and that only by love and faith can the doors become unlocked, the way they dramatically do for Holden Harris.
1.Do you know anyone on the autistic spectrum? Tell us about that person and what you have learned from them.
ReplyDelete2. What did you learn about autism by reading Unlocked? Do you think Holden suffered with autism? Why or why not?
3.Holden’s father Dan left his family to work on a fishing boatin Alaska. Why do you think he did this? Explain about a time when you wanted to run from a situation.
4.Suzanne and Randy pulled away from the Harris family after Holden’s diagnosis of autism. Have you seen a handicap or disorder separate friends before? Tell about that situation.
5.What did you learn from the friendship between Tracy and Suzanne?
6.Have you ever had a broken friendship? What caused the break, and what did you learn from the situation? Was there ever resolution?
7.Suzanne worked hard to keep up the appearance of being the wife of a professional athlete. Do you think there is more pressure to appear a certain way in today’s culture? Why or why not?
8.Michael Schwartz was a quiet kid who didn’t fit in the way the popular kids did. Do you know any kids like Michael in high school? Did you befriend them? Why or why not?
9.What did you learn from the character of Michael Schwartz?
10. Deuteronomy 30:19 tells us, “. . . I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Now choose life, so that you and your children may live.” What does this mean to you? Do you think a life of faith would have helped Michael? Why or why not?
11.Do you know anyone who has ever been bullied? What did you do about the situation?
ReplyDelete12.Why do you think kids bully other kids? What does this say about today’s youth?
13.Holden’s mother compared autism to a kidnapping, since she felt like her son had been stolen from her. What did you like about Tracy’s character? Have you ever lost someone you love? What helped you during that time?
14.Ella was first drawn to Holden because of his eyes. Luke 11:34 says that, “Your eye is the lamp of your body. When your eyes are good, your whole body also is full of light.” What does this mean to you? Tell about a time when you were drawn to someone because of the light in their eyes.
15.What did you learn about the character of Ella? How are you like her, or how would you hope to be like her?
16.Why did Ella struggle with her mother? Why is it important that we show compassion not only to the strangers in our lives, but also to the ones who live under the same roof as us? Give an example.
17.Manny Hopkins was a beleaguered drama teacher on his last chance at being a success. Explain the transformation that happened in his life because of Ella and Holden. Tell about a time when someone jaded was changed by the kindness of another person.
18.Holden found great significance in watching movies from his past. What old home movie scenes or special memories do you sometimes revisit to remember who you are? Talk about some examples.
19.Did Holden’s story give you hope for your own life or make you feel hopeful for someone you love? Did it affect your
level of faith? Explain.
20. If you had to write the next chapter in Holden’s life, what would happen? What would you hope for people with autism in our culture today, and how can you help?
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