Our homeschool book club group recently read a middle-grade novel that we thoroughly enjoyed. Many of our group participants reported that they loved the book. From the very first chapter, my children and I connected with the author’s writing style (Karina Yan Glaser is the same author as the popular Vanderbeeker series). Only a few chapters in and we were already having deep discussions about the plot. Glaser delicately handles sensitive topics like the death of a parent, depression, and homelessness, while treating readers to great character development, thoughtful symbolism, and strong themes. This book is definitely on my list of favorites! It’s why I was inspired to create a book club guide to support others who are also enthusiastic about the book. I hope you decide to read A Duet for Home with your family and that enjoy it as much as we did! If you’d rather have this book club guide in a printable version, you can download the PDF [here].
A Duet for Home by Karina Yan Glaser is a powerful story of resilience, friendship, and the impact of music. This novel provides an excellent opportunity for young readers (ages 9-13) to engage with important themes such as community, home, activism, choice and action vs. bad luck, and the healing power of the arts. Below, is a complete resource guide to help facilitate a thoughtful and engaging book club meeting centered around this story.
Discussion Questions
- Why do you think the author chose two narrators for this novel?
- What were your first impressions of June and Tyrell? How do their personalities complement each other?
- How does music help both June and Tyrell cope with their challenges? Have you ever found comfort in music or another art form?
- Why do you think June is so attached to her viola? What does it symbolize for her?
- What challenges do the families at Huey House face? How does the book help us understand what it’s like to experience homelessness?
- What role does the classical musician next door play in the story? How does she inspire the characters?
- What employees at Huey House stand out to you and why? How do they positively or negatively affect the lives of the residents?
- How does the new housing policy affect the families at Huey House? Why is it important for people to advocate for their communities?
- If you were in their situation, how would you try to help your family or others around you?
- What does friendship mean to June and Tyrell? How do they support each other in difficult times? How would you describe other friendships explored in the story (Think of characters like Maybelle, Lulu, and Jeremiah)?
- How do June and Tyrell’s perspectives change throughout the story? How do they grow as individuals?
- The title of the book is A Duet for Home. Why do you think the author chose this title? How does it reflect the themes of the story?
Activities Inspired by the Book
1. Writing in Duet
Music plays a central role in A Duet for Home, and duets symbolize teamwork and harmony. In this fun writing activity, kids will pair up and write a short piece together.
How it works:
- Each pair receives a starter sentence (e.g., “It was the first day in a new place, and everything felt unfamiliar.”)
- One partner writes the first add-on sentence and then passes it to the other, who writes the next.
- They continue back and forth for a few minutes, creating a story or poem together.
- Encourage them to read their duets aloud at the end!
2. Exploring Classical Music and the Viola/Violin
Since June’s viola is central to the story, this activity will introduce kids to classical music and string instruments.
Ideas to incorporate:
- Play short clips of viola and/or violin performances, featuring composers like the ones listed in one of the end notes from the book (Telemann, Vivaldi, etc).
- Show a video of a professional violist discussing their instrument.
- If possible, invite a local musician to demonstrate and let kids see the instrument up close. Maybe a child or parent in your group plays—invite them to perform.
- Ask kids to share how the music makes them feel and connect it to the emotions in the book.
3. Creating a Personal Symbol
June’s viola represents much more than just an instrument—it’s tied to her memories, dreams, and sense of home.
Activity:
- Ask kids to think about an object in their lives that holds special meaning for them.
- Have them draw or write about why this object is important and what it symbolizes.
- Share in small groups or as a whole club.
4. Design a Shelter Community
Huey House is an important setting in the book. This activity encourages kids to think about what makes a space feel like home.
Steps:
- Provide a large sheet of paper and markers.
- Have kids work in small groups to design their ideal shelter community.
- Encourage them to include features that would make families feel safe, supported, and comfortable.
- Discuss how their ideas compare to Huey House.
5. Letter Writing for Change
June and Tyrell learn about activism and the power of speaking up. This activity invites kids to think about real-world issues and how they can make a difference.
How it works:
- Discuss a local or global issue that interests them (e.g., transportation, education, the arts in schools).
- Have them write a letter to a local representative, newspaper, or organization about why the issue matters. Alternatively, they can record a verbal letter or short speech, dictating to a scribe or into a recording device.
- Encourage them to share their letters if they feel comfortable.
6. What Makes a Home? Charades
This interactive game allows kids to explore what makes a home feel safe and special through movement and guessing.
How it works:
- Divide the group into two teams.
- Have each player write down an element that makes a home feel like home (e.g., warmth, laughter, music, pets, favorite meals, a cozy blanket).
- One player at a time draws a prompt and silently acts it out while their team guesses.
- The team that guesses correctly the fastest gets a point.
- After the game, discuss how these elements contribute to the sense of home and belonging in the book and in real life.
Topics for Further Exploration
If you want to dive more deeply into researching certain topics from the book, consider this list of ideas.
- Awareness About Housing Issues: Research statistics and real-life stories about families experiencing homelessness in your area.
- Classical Music: Learn more about famous viola or violin players and the role of string instruments in orchestras.
- Advocacy and Activism: Read about young people who have made a difference in their communities.
- Symbolism in Literature: Explore how authors use objects to represent deeper meanings in stories.
- Friendship and Resilience: Discuss other books with themes of friendship, resilience, and overcoming obstacles.
Final Thoughts
*Note: See other book review sites like Redeemed Reader or Common Sense Media for more in-depth commentary on the book’s sensitive content.
Hosting a book club for A Duet for Home provides a wonderful opportunity for meaningful discussions, creative activities, and deeper exploration of the book’s themes. By incorporating interactive and thought-provoking activities, you can help kids connect with the story on a personal level while fostering a love for literature and learning.
What activities are you excited to try? Let me know in the comments!
