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About the Book   Dicey's Song

Dicey's Song is the second book in Cynthia Voigt's Tillerman Cycle series. The story picks up as Dicey and her siblings—James, Maybeth, and Sammy—are settling into their new home with their grandmother, Abigail Tillerman, in Crisfield, Maryland. The children, previously abandoned by their mother, are trying to adjust to their new lives and the challenges that come with them.

Dicey, the protagonist, is a strong and independent teenager who feels the weight of responsibility for her siblings. Throughout the novel, she struggles with her role as their caretaker while navigating her own adolescence. The story beautifully captures Dicey's internal struggles and growth as she learns to trust her grandmother and relinquish some of her burdens.

The novel also explores the individual journeys of Dicey's siblings. James, a bright and ambitious boy, faces academic challenges and the desire to fit in. Maybeth, who is musically gifted but struggles with learning disabilities, finds solace and affirmation in her piano lessons. Sammy, the youngest, deals with his own issues of anger and adjustment.

The family's dynamics and their interactions with their community are central to the narrative. The characters' development is intertwined with themes of resilience, family bonds, and personal growth, making Dicey's Song an enriching read. 

Dicey's Song is a Newbery Medal Award Winner.

Themes in the book Dicey's Song

Resilience and Perseverance: One of the most prominent themes in Dicey's Song is resilience. Dicey and her siblings have faced abandonment and instability, yet they continue to persevere. Dicey's strength and determination serve as an inspiration, demonstrating the power of resilience in overcoming adversity.

Family and Responsibility: The novel explores the complexities of family dynamics and the sense of responsibility Dicey feels towards her siblings. It highlights the sacrifices made for loved ones and the importance of familial support. The evolving relationship between Dicey and her grandmother is a testament to the healing power of family bonds.

Personal Growth and Self-Discovery: Throughout the book, characters undergo significant personal growth. Dicey learns to balance her responsibilities with her own needs, James and Maybeth discover their unique talents, and Sammy finds ways to channel his emotions. This theme of self-discovery is crucial for young readers who may be experiencing similar journeys.

Acceptance and Belonging: The theme of acceptance is woven throughout the novel as the Tillerman children strive to find their place in a new environment. Their interactions with peers, teachers, and community members highlight the universal quest for belonging and the importance of compassion and understanding.

Activity Ideas for the book Dicey's Song

Character Analysis: Encourage students to analyze the main characters—Dicey, James, Maybeth, and Sammy. Have them create character maps to explore the motivations, challenges, and growth of each individual. This exercise can help students develop empathy and a deeper understanding of character development.

Theme Exploration: Divide the class into small groups and assign each group a theme from the novel. Have them identify key moments in the story that illustrate their assigned theme and present their findings to the class. This activity promotes critical thinking and collaborative learning.

Creative Writing: Ask students to write several journal entries about the events in the book from Gram's perspective. Each student could take a different event to write about from Gram's point of view, then you could combine the journal entries to tell the story from Gram's point of view. This exercise allows them to engage with the text creatively and gain insight into the characters' thoughts and emotions.

Real-World Connections: Help students connect the themes of Dicey's Song to real-world situations. Discuss topics such as family dynamics, resilience in the face of adversity, and the importance of community support. This can lead to valuable conversations about empathy and social awareness.