A Nation Awakes
on Goodreads (7)
What’s inside...
A Nation Awakes by Subba Rao details the consequences of Lord Curzon's partition of Bengal. Intended to weaken the local populace, it instead united them and strengthened their desire for freedom. Using swadeshi as their weapon, they aimed to impact European business interests. The movement led to a division within the National Congress between moderates who preferred petitioning the government and extremists advocating for direct agitation. Though there were differences, the people collectively continued their struggle until the partition of Bengal was revoked.
Age
12-18
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What are some of the challenges the characters faced in 'A Nation Awakes'? How did they overcome them?
Why do you think teamwork was important in the story? Can you think of a time when you worked with others to achieve something?
What did you learn about the history and culture of the nation from the book? Which part was the most interesting to you?
How do you think the characters' experiences in the book relate to our lives today?
If you could meet any character from the book, who would it be and what would you ask them?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start by asking your child to summarize the story in their own words, to gauge their understanding and recall of the book.
Encourage your child to relate the story to their personal experiences or current events; this can help deepen their understanding of the book's themes.
Discuss the decisions made by the characters and ask your child what they would have done differently. This promotes critical thinking and decision-making skills.
Praise your child for their insights and encourage them to ask questions about the book. This reinforces positive reading habits and curiosity.
Link the discussion to broader life lessons, such as the importance of perseverance and cooperation, to enhance the educational value of the reading experience.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Unity and Diversity
Explanation: The book portrays a variety of characters from different backgrounds and cultures coming together for a common purpose.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of embracing diversity and working in unity, which can help them build positive relationships in multicultural environments such as schools.
Example Lesson: Resilience and Perseverance
Explanation: Characters in the story face challenges but show determination and do not give up until they reach their goals.
Real-World Application: It teaches children to stay determined and persevere through their own challenges whether it be in academics, sports, or personal goals.
Example Lesson: Social Responsibility
Explanation: The book highlights the characters' efforts to address and solve communal problems.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of being proactive in their communities and understand that their actions can contribute to societal improvements.
Example Lesson: Critical Thinking
Explanation: Characters often engage in problem-solving scenarios where they have to think critically and make wise decisions.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to think critically about various situations in their lives and make thoughtful decisions.