Up So Floating
Explore Up So Floating with this standards-aligned teacher guide and companion resource. Designed for grades 5–8, this lesson set builds comprehension, reflection, and critical thinking through themes of grief, faith, friendship, and personal growth.
Helping Students Navigate Grief, Grace, and Growing Up: A Classroom Experience Inspired by Up So Floating
Have you ever noticed how some stories don’t just move forward…
…but linger?
They sit with you.
They ask questions.
They make you feel something you didn’t expect.
That’s the quiet power of Up So Floating.
Book Snapshot
Title: Up So Floating
Author: Maureen Hourihan
Publisher: Archway Publishing
Age Range: Grades 5–8
Genre: Middle Grade Fiction / Coming-of-Age
Themes: Grief, Faith, Friendship, Grace, Identity, Loss, Healing, Compassion
A Story That Explores What Can’t Always Be Explained
Monty doesn’t believe in miracles—not anymore. Not since her mother died.
But as she navigates friendship, loss, and the pressure of belonging, something begins to shift.
Moments of memory.
Unexpected connection.
Small acts of grace.
As described in the guide, Monty’s journey is shaped by “a floating that carries her far above her own life”—a powerful metaphor for grief, disconnection, and healing.
This is a story about what it means to feel untethered…
and how we slowly find our way back.
Where Story Meets Reflection and Expression
This guide invites students to do more than analyze a text—it asks them to feel, reflect, and respond.
Through layered activities, students will:
Explore the concept of grace—both spiritual and personal
Analyze symbolism (bells, kites, floating, fire)
Examine how memory shapes identity
Reflect on grief, healing, and connection
Express understanding through writing, discussion, and performance
The structure itself supports deep engagement, including reflective essays, music connections, and character monologues (see Table of Contents, p. 2).
Two Pathways for Classroom Use
What makes this resource especially powerful is that it offers two entry points:
Full Discussion & Project Guide
→ Deep dive into comprehension, writing, and thematic exploration
Press Release Guide
→ Streamlined, accessible discussion prompts and thematic connections
Together, they allow educators to meet students where they are—whether for a quick study or a full instructional unit.
Why This Book Works So Well
Because it speaks to something students don’t always have words for:
👉 Grief that doesn’t go away
👉 Questions that don’t have clear answers
👉 The search for meaning in difficult moments
And when a story gives students language for those experiences…
That’s where real learning begins.
Standards Alignment
This guide supports both literacy development and deeper emotional and analytical thinking.
Common Core State Standards (CCSS):
RL.5–8.3: Analyze character development and interactions
RL.5–8.4: Interpret figurative and symbolic language
RL.5–8.6: Examine point of view and perspective
W.5–8.3: Write narratives and reflective pieces
SL.5–8.1: Engage in collaborative discussions
(Aligned explicitly across discussion, writing, and project-based sections in the guide, p. 15)
SEL Connections:
Self-awareness through reflection on grief and identity
Social awareness through empathy and character analysis
Responsible decision-making through moral and emotional evaluation
Ready to bring this story to life in your classroom?
These two companion resources give you flexible, meaningful ways to explore Up So Floating with your students—from quick discussions to full project-based learning experiences.
👉 Download the Discussion & Project Guide and Press Release Guide here.
Looking for a story that meets students where they are—emotionally and intellectually?
Up So Floating is a powerful coming-of-age novel that explores grief, faith, and healing with honesty, heart, and hope.
👉 Grab your copy of Up So Floating and begin the journey.
Final Thought
Not all growth is loud.
Not all healing is visible.
Sometimes, it feels like floating—
uncertain, untethered, in-between.
But within that space…
is where understanding begins.
This guide is part of my Guides by Deb collection—standards-aligned resources designed to help educators turn great books into meaningful learning experiences.
I’m Debbie Gonzales, author, educator, and founder of Pin Lit Marketing, where I help children’s book creators grow their visibility through Pinterest.
Together, this work connects books, educators, and readers in lasting ways.
