A Thousand Beginnings and Endings
What’s inside...
Sixteen extraordinary authors, including New York Times bestsellers like Melissa de la Cruz and Renée Ahdieh, come together to reimagine the folklore and mythology of East and South Asia in a collection of short stories. These tales, ranging from the enchanting to the heartbreaking, explore timeless themes through fantasy, science fiction, and contemporary narratives. Edited by Ellen Oh and Elsie Chapman, this anthology features an original bonus story by Ellen Oh and includes contributions from award-winning authors. It has received critical acclaim for its captivating storytelling and cultural richness.
Age
13-17
Length
336 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What is one story from the book that stood out to you and why?
How do the characters in the stories handle challenges or conflicts?
What did you learn about different cultures from reading this book?
Which story would you like to see continued into a full book and why?
How do the themes of legacy and heritage appear in these stories?
Tip: Role play these questions
Before starting a discussion, read the stories together with your child to make the conversation more interactive and immersive.
Encourage your child to express their feelings and thoughts about the stories, validating their interpretations and insights.
Connect the themes or lessons from the book to real-life experiences or current events to enhance understanding and relevance.
Ask your child to imagine different endings for their favorite stories to foster creativity and critical thinking.
Discuss the illustrations and how they complement the storytelling, exploring different visual interpretations.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Respect for diverse cultures
Explanation: This anthology explores Asian myths and legends, reimagined by fifteen different authors, offering insights into the richness of various Asian cultures.
Real-World Application: Children reading these stories may develop a deeper appreciation for cultural diversity and show respect towards people from different cultural backgrounds in their daily interactions.
Example Lesson: The importance of storytelling
Explanation: Each story in the book demonstrates the power of myths and storytelling in shaping beliefs and teaching moral values.
Real-World Application: Children learn the significance of sharing their own stories and experiences, understanding that their narratives can influence and inspire others.
Example Lesson: Understanding consequences of actions
Explanation: Several stories in 'A Thousand Beginnings and Endings' deal with choices characters make and the repercussions that follow, emphasizing the cause-and-effect relationship.
Real-World Application: This lesson helps children grasp the concept of accountability and encourages them to think about the consequences before making decisions.
Example Lesson: The strength of resilience and perseverance
Explanation: Characters in the anthology often face challenges but demonstrate resilience and perseverance to overcome adversity.
Real-World Application: Children learn the value of persistence in achieving goals and overcoming obstacles, whether it's dealing with school challenges or personal issues.
Example Lesson: Empathy and understanding
Explanation: Through diverse narratives, readers experience the protagonists' journeys, fostering empathy and a deeper understanding of others’ emotions and situations.
Real-World Application: Promoting empathy in children helps them build healthy relationships and respond compassionately in real-life situations.