The Journal of John Avery Whittaker

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#789: “The Journal of John Avery Whittaker”
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Last aired
January 1, 2016 ↓
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Date Recorded
July 22, 2015
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Scripture

1 Corinthians 11:1

1Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ.

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The Journal of John Avery Whittaker

“The Journal of John Avery Whittaker,” an Adventures in Odyssey Club exclusive, is episode #789 of the Adventures in Odyssey audio series. It was written by Dave Arnold, and was originally released on January 1, 2016.

Summary

Discover which people and events shaped Whit’s character as a boy, inspiring him to become an imitator of Christ.

Plot

The episode follows a young John Avery Whittaker ("Whit") as he documents key events in his childhood through his personal journal.

Whit, at age ten, recalls his upbringing in Scotland, influenced by his inventive grandfather, Jackson Whittaker, who teaches him perseverance. His mother, Janneth, dies from smallpox after caring for her sick father, leaving Whit and his father, Harold, grieving.

A year after Janneth’s passing, Harold marries Fionna Donneral, who becomes Whit’s stepmother. Initially resistant to her presence, Whit eventually warms up to Fionna, realizing she brings joy and stability to their family.

Harold accepts a teaching position at Duke University, prompting the family’s move to Provenance, North Carolina. Whit struggles with leaving Scotland but gradually adapts to his new home.

At school, Whit befriends Jack Allen, a quiet boy who isn’t a Christian. When Jack is bullied by Lazlo Farnsworth, Whit stands up for him but gets punched in the process. Their friendship deepens, and Jack gives Whit the nickname “Whit,” which sticks.

Whit develops a crush on a girl named Lisa but ends it abruptly upon learning she doesn’t believe in God. This experience teaches him the importance of shared faith in relationships.

During Christmas, Whit and his family go caroling and visit Jack’s home, where they learn his father is absent due to drinking problems. Feeling compassion for Jack, Whit gifts him a journal, encouraging him to write about his life and seek God’s presence.

Inspired by his experiences, Whit begins dreaming of his future—wanting to teach, write, and invent. He envisions a way to bring history and faith to life through immersive storytelling, foreshadowing his future creation of Whit’s End.

Cast

Role Voice Actor
John Whittaker Aden Schwartz
Fionna Donneral Elle Newlands
Harold Whittaker Ben Bode
Jack Allen Garrett McQuaid
Grandpa Jackson Paul Gregory
Charlotte Donneral-Whittaker Allie Urrutia
Lazlo Farnsworth Stuart Allan
Janneth Whittaker Jennifer Taylor Lawrence
Thomas Edison Unknown
Wisdom Unknown
Lisa Unknown
Unknown Richard Tatum
Unknown Heather Simpson
Bible Verse Mirror Phil Lollar


Notes

  • Like The Present Long Ago, since young Whit is narrating, this is the only episode to jump way back into the past.

Goofs

  • In the introduction, young Whit says, "like Thomas Edison, the "inventor" of the light bulb said..." when actually Thomas Edison did NOT "invent" the lightbulb, rather he only invented a practical material to use "with" the lightbulb to make it cheaper to use and produce.

Gallery

  • Artwork

    Artwork

  • The Script

    The Script

  • Director Phil Lollar

    Director Phil Lollar

  • Aden Schwartz as Young Whit

    Aden Schwartz as Young Whit

  • Paul Gregory as Grandpa Jackson.

    Paul Gregory as Grandpa Jackson.

  • Garrett McQuaid, voice of young Jack, and Phil Lollar.

    Garrett McQuaid, voice of young Jack, and Phil Lollar.

  • Elle Newlands as Fionna Donneral.

    Elle Newlands as Fionna Donneral.

  • Allie Urrutia as Charlotte.

    Allie Urrutia as Charlotte.

  • Allie Urrutia and Nathan Jones.

    Allie Urrutia and Nathan Jones.

  • Stuart Allan

    Stuart Allan

  • Aden Schwartz, Allie Urrutia, Elle Newlands, and Ben Bode.

    Aden Schwartz, Allie Urrutia, Elle Newlands, and Ben Bode.

Documentary

Discussion Questions

  1. In "The Journal of John Avery Whittaker" we find out how Whit got his nickname—and who gave it to him. Do you have a nickname? What does it mean, and where did it come from?
  2. Which of these relatives did you enjoy meeting most: Whit's father, his Grandpa Jackson, or his stepmother Fionna? Why?
  3. Whit learned a lot of valuable lessons in this episode. Which one stood out to you? (Ex: perseverance, imitation, wisdom, humility, adjusting to change and loss, pruning, friendship, life goals, holiness)
  4. What did Fionna mean when she said, "Failing at least means you're playing"? When were you able to turn a mistake or a failure into something positive? Read Romans 8:28 together for reassurance that God will do that for us if we follow Him.
  5. Do you remember the day you met your best friend? If so, share a little about that first encounter.
  6. Is there a family in your neighborhood that could use extra kindness and encouragement? What can you do to reflect the image of Jesus to them?
  7. Talk about pruning in light of John 15:2. Are there things in your life—maybe even good things—that are holding you back from growing and becoming the person God wants you to be? Read Hebrews 12:1 for another example of how we can be energized by letting things go.
  8. At what age do boys and girls start to find each other "interesting"? Have you ever been struck by Cupid's arrow? What are some of the character traits you hope to find in that special someone?
  9. John confessed in his journal that he often had to learn things the hard way. What does that mean? Is the same true of you, or are you more inclined to trust good advice and learn from other people's mistakes? How do you feel about the idea of keeping a journal?
  10. What did you find most interesting about the country where Whit grew up? Did Scotland sound like a place you'd like to visit?

Quotes

There are no quotes listed for this episode. ».
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