Think, Share, Explore: Discussion Guide for Radical Ray (Book 1)

Here are some thoughtful prompts to inspire meaningful conversations about the themes in Radical Ray. Parents, caregivers, and teachers can use these questions to encourage children to reflect on kindness, empathy, and how Radical Love can be a part of their everyday actions.

Understanding Radical Love

What do you think Radical Love means? Can you explain it in your own words?
Ray learned that love isn’t just a feeling but something you show through actions. Can you think of a time when you did something kind for someone? How did it make you feel?
How can small acts of kindness, like sharing or helping, create big changes in your school or community?
What would the world look like if everyone practiced Radical Love? How would people treat each other?

Forgiveness and Empathy

Why do you think Ray decided to forgive his dad, even though it was difficult? How is forgiveness connected to Radical Love?
Grandma Leila said, “Forgiveness is freedom.” What do you think she meant? How can forgiving someone help you feel lighter or happier?
Have you ever had to forgive someone? How did it feel before and after?
Why is forgiving ourselves just as important as forgiving others? How can this help us grow?
How does understanding someone else’s struggles, like Sam’s, help us respond with kindness instead of anger?

Acts of Kindness

Ray and his classmates organized a “Radical Love in Action Day.” If your school or family did something similar, what kind of activities would you include?
Imagine you were in charge of a kindness project like the Belonging Bench or a school garden. What would your project look like, and who would it help?
How can you practice Radical Love at home, at school, and in your neighborhood?
How can small gestures, like inviting someone to play or writing a kind note, make someone’s day better?

Inner Guide and Self-Reflection

What do you think your Inner Guide is, and how can it help you make good decisions?
Can you think of a time when you listened to your Inner Guide? What did it help you do?
How did Ray’s Inner Guide help him show kindness to others, like Tarek or Sam?
If your Inner Guide could give you advice to make your school or community a better place, what do you think it would say?

Creativity and Expression

Ray wrote a letter to his dad to process his feelings. How can writing or talking about your feelings help when you’re upset?
Try designing your own version of a Belonging Bench. What would it look like? What message would you paint on it?
Draw a picture of what Radical Love looks like to you. Who is in the picture, and what are they doing?

Why These Questions Matter

These questions are designed to spark curiosity, encourage empathy, and inspire children to think deeply about the power of kindness, connection, and self-reflection. Parents, teachers, and caregivers can use them to start meaningful conversations that help kids explore their own experiences with Radical Love and everyday kindness.