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This is a discussion topic for the March 2024 Book of the Month, "SandPeople: An Across Time Mystery" by Cheryl Kerr

What do you think of Lea McKinney's reaction to her parents' divorce?

I think Lea’s reaction was pretty typical. She was sad and she was scared that everything in her life would change. She wondered if it was her fault. I think those are all normal reactions and concerns that most kids have when learning that their parents are getting divorced.

I completely agree that Lea's reaction is quite typical and understandable given the circumstances. It's crucial for us to recognize that children often internalize such life-altering events, questioning their role or influence in their parents' relationship.

She went and got herself a new haircut that her parents wouldn’t approve of after she learned of her parents divorce. Her frustration, initial rebellious attitude, self-blame, and emotional struggle to adjust to new circumstances are completely justified. Even a grown adult would find it difficult to digest their parents divorce. And Lea is just twelve. Her behavior is completely normal and understandable.

Lea McKinney's reaction to her parents' divorce in "SandPeople: An Across Time Mystery" by Cheryl Kerr is portrayed with a realistic and sensitive approach that highlights the emotional turbulence and challenges faced by children going through similar situations. Her initial response is characterized by a mix of confusion, pain, and a sense of loss.

It was a very much expected behavior of young kids facing such situations. They feel abandoned and then go on a rebellion spree or phase due to their sadness and feelings of neglect. So I wasn't at all shocked when Lea went to get a haircut her parents wouldn't approve of

When there are so many issues present during a relationship, it is the textbook reaction for a kid to be unsure and lack an understanding of what's going on, internally blaming themselves.

She was upset but didn't blame herself. She felt very alone and was distressed when she learnt that her friend knew before her, which was understandable. She handled it fairly well, perhaps this has something to do with coming from a loving and supportive family: she had learnt self control.

Lea is not someone who has a single reaction. She most likely gains a combination of the mentioned emotions, including sadness, angriness, puzzlement, and possibly a little guilt. The complexity showing the reality that sometimes children don’t understand why divorce might occur, and they become torn between parents and wish to be with both parents is a prime example of this.

It is common for young children to act out in response to certain situations, feeling neglected and abandoned. You can emphasize a lot with her.

I think her reaction was pretty normal and understandable. She is only a child, even the grown ups would react the same, I think. Divorce is hard, and the impact to the children of course always also hard.

I think Lea's reaction is very relatable. I can definitely understand that she didn't like that her friend knew about the divorce before she did. The rebellious act of going out and getting a radically different haircut that her parents wouldn't like was also a typical response.

I think the author handled it pretty well. Writing from the perspective of a 12 year old and how it would be rather confusing and she would have trouble knowing what exactly to feel.

Her response made sense given her age. I think the author gave her a genuine response of fear and anger. I liked that she got a haircut as a sort of rebellion to the news.

She went and got herself a new haircut that her parents wouldn’t approve of after she learned of her parents divorce.