Blackout
By John Rocco
The Story
On a hot summer night the power goes out across the city, and a boy's family — bored, hot, and disconnected from their screens — heads to the roof and discovers stars, neighbors, and each other.
Why It's Special
For the family whose evenings are usually scattered across screens in separate rooms, this is a reminder of what happens when all of that just stops.
- Big idea: Being unplugged isn't a loss — it's an opening for connection you didn't know you were missing.
- Vibes: Warm, quiet, city-summer magic — the hush and glow of a night that turns into an unexpected celebration.
Perfect For Kids Who
- enjoy stories about neighborhoods and city life
- are working on putting down screens and finding other fun
- respond well to quiet, atmospheric illustrations
- like to spot small details across busy pages
Ask Your Little Reader
- Story & problem-solving: What did the boy's family do once the TV, phone, and computer all stopped working?
- Feelings & empathy: How do you think the boy felt when he first yelled 'Mommm!' about the power going out?
- Real-life connection: What would you do if the lights went out at your house tonight?
- Imagination: What do you think it felt like to see the stars and all the neighbors up on the roof?
- Looking closely: Can you find where the pictures change from color to black-and-white? Why do you think John Rocco did that?
