The Great Wide Sea is about three kids who are displaced from their home again and again. First, solid ground is ripped out from beneath the Byron brothers' feet when their father sells the family house. "Home" is now a ratty old boat, the Chrysalis. The boys come to appreciate her over time because they have no desire to make their home at the bottom of the sea. (Fair enough, boys.)
But, just when they're starting to get used to their new life, the Chrysalis is taken from them, too—dashed against the rocks in a storm. Now "home" is an uninhabited island. Through it all, the brothers prove they are adaptable. However dire their circumstances, they can try to make a home so long as they're together.
Questions About The Home
- Why does Ben have such a hard time with his father's decision to sell the family house?
- At what point, if any, do you think the Byron boys begin to think of the Chrysalis as home?
- What makes Ben decide that he should go home with his father?
Chew on This
Ben, Dylan, and Gerry are adaptable. Over time, they can make pretty much any place feel like home.
The Great Wide Sea demonstrates that running away from home can't solve a problem. Eventually, the problem will catch up with you.