Think, Share, Explore: Discussion Guide for Radical Ray: A Father’s Return (Book 2)

These thoughtful prompts are designed to spark meaningful conversations about the themes in Radical Ray: A Father’s Return. Whether you’re a parent, caregiver, or teacher, these questions encourage children to explore family, forgiveness, and self-discovery while reflecting on how Radical Love can shape their relationships and everyday choices.

Think: Self-Reflection Questions

Ray learns that family is not just about history, but about love and the people who show up for us. Who are the people in your life that make you feel loved and supported?
At first, Ray believes that Matthew holds the key to his story, but he later realizes his story was always there. Have you ever searched for something, only to realize it was right in front of you all along?
Radical Love is about seeing people for who they are and believing in them. How can you practice Radical Love in your own life?
Matthew wanted to be there for Ray, yet at times his actions didn’t match his intentions. Have you ever known someone who meant well but struggled to show it? How did that make you feel?
Shirl’s writing helped change lives by telling an important story. If you could tell a story that could help others, what would it be about?
Sometimes, we see things through "filters"—our own experiences, beliefs, and emotions. Can you think of a time when you misunderstood something because of how you were looking at it? What helped you see it differently?
Ray’s perspective changed when he realized he had been whole all along. Have you ever had a moment where you suddenly understood something in a new way? How did it feel?

Share – Discussion Starters

What do you think Ray learned about family by the end of the book? How did his understanding change from the beginning?
Ray experiences a mix of emotions when meeting his dad—curiosity, anger, hope, and uncertainty. Why do you think it’s important to accept all feelings instead of ignoring them?
Grandma Leila tells Ray that we can’t always change people, but we can choose how much space they take up in our hearts. What do you think she meant by that?
Ray’s project was originally about finding out where he came from, but it became something bigger. If you had to share a story about your family, what would you include?
Matthew struggled with fear and self-doubt, just like Ray did at times. How do you think fear can hold people back? Have you ever had to push past fear to do something important?
Have you ever seen a situation differently after talking to someone else or learning something new? How do you think our “filters” shape how we see the world?

Explore – Activities & Deeper Engagement

Your Own Heritage Quest – Create a mini project about your own family or the people who influence you the most. What stories do they have? What lessons have they taught you?
The Power of Stories – Think of a person in history or your own life who made a difference with their words. Write a short paragraph about them and how their story inspires you.
Radical Love in Action – Choose one act of Radical Love to practice this week—maybe it’s standing up for a friend, including someone new, or showing kindness to yourself.
Letters to the Past or Future – Write a letter to your past self about something you’ve learned, or write to your future self about something you hope to discover.
Perspective Shift – Draw a picture or write a story about an event from two different perspectives—first, as you originally saw it, and then from a new understanding. How did your "filter" change the way you saw the situation?

Why These Questions Matter

These questions and activities are designed to help kids explore themes of family, self-discovery, forgiveness, and Radical Love. Parents, teachers, and caregivers can use them to start meaningful conversations that encourage empathy, reflection, and growth.