Big ideas for young readers

Lessons from The Truth Seekers

The best lessons sneak up on you inside a good story. Here are the ones Stella and Rylee learn the hard way, plus a little something to try at home.

The truth sets you free, even when it's scary to say

Secrets feel safe at first, but they get heavier the longer you carry them. Telling the truth is hard for a minute and freeing for a long time.

From the bookStella says keeping a secret from Mom felt like carrying a full glass of water up the stairs: doable, but you feel it the whole way. Every time the twins finally tell the truth, something in the story gets better.

Try thisThink of something small you've been meaning to tell someone. Tell them today, and notice how you feel afterward.

One small choice can ripple out for years

Choices are like the first step on a staircase. A good one can lead to good things for you and for people you will never meet.

From the bookThe secret book in the attic is full of old stories about kids facing one big decision, and how each choice changed what came after. Stella starts to see that a single choice can change a whole staircase of lives.

Try thisDraw a staircase. On the bottom step, write one kind choice you could make this week. On the steps above it, imagine who it might help next.

Real friends tell you the truth

Some people tell you only what you want to hear. A true friend is honest with you, even when it's hard, and stays.

From the bookStella notices the difference between someone who flatters a friend's anger and someone who helps him calm down and think. The kindest advice in the book is often the least exciting: wait until you're calm, then ask and really listen.

Try thisNext time a friend is upset, try asking one question and then just listening, without fixing anything.

Brave is better with backup

Jumping in alone can feel heroic, but the bravest plans usually include the people who love you.

From the bookStella is famous for deciding first and asking later. She learns that her sister wants to be part of the plan, not find out about it at lunch, and that ideas built together are sturdier.

Try thisBefore your next big idea, run it past someone you trust. Ask them, "What am I missing?"

Different is a strength

Two people can be total opposites and still make the best team, because each one covers what the other one misses.

From the bookStella is street smart and dramatic. Rylee is book smart and careful. Stella dreams who needs help, and Rylee knows where and when to find them. Neither gift works as well alone.

Try thisMake a list of three ways you and a sibling or friend are different. Next to each one, write how that difference helps you both.

Be still and listen to your heart

When you don't know what to do, getting quiet inside can help you hear what's right.

From the bookWhen the twins are stuck, the old book tells them to stop, be still, and listen deep within their hearts. Stella feels a warmth start in her toes and fill her chest when she knows what she has to do.

Try thisBefore a hard decision, take five slow breaths with your eyes closed and ask yourself, "What is the right thing here?"

Kindness makes people feel taken seriously

Small kindnesses, like patience and a warm welcome, can change someone's whole day.

From the bookMrs. P never yells when a scoop falls. She calls it a sample. When a very particular customer comes in with a complaint, she takes it seriously and sends her off happy, because everybody needs somewhere they get taken seriously.

Try thisFind someone who is having a frustrating day and give them your full, patient attention for five minutes.

Grown-ups can handle more than you think

It's tempting to hide big things from parents to protect them. Often they are stronger, and more helpful, than we expect.

From the bookThe twins are sure their mom won't be able to handle the truth. A wise teacher tells them, "Give your mother a chance to prove you wrong."

Try thisGrown-ups: tell your kids about a time you were surprised by how well someone handled hard news. Kids: think of one trusted grown-up you could tell anything.

Want to talk about it?

Our parent and book club guide has discussion questions for every part of the book.

Open the parent guide

The book behind the fun

The Truth Seekers

Twin sisters find a book in their attic with their own names on the cover. Stella dreams the future. Rylee always knows exactly where to be.

About the book Join the pre-launch list