A Thunderous Whisper
on Goodreads (691)
What’s inside...
Ani, a 12-year-old girl, feels insignificant in a loud world, as told by her mother. Her father, who made her feel important, is away fighting in Spain's Civil War. Ani meets Mathias, a 14-year-old boy whose family just moved to Guernica. Mathias is full of action, unlike Ani who is more like a whisper. Mathias's father is part of a spy network, and Ani soon finds herself helping deliver messages to other underground members, making a difference in the world. However, her world is shattered when Nazi bombers destroy Guernica, taking away her city, home, and mother. In the aftermath, Ani discovers her own strength by helping other survivors and plans with Mathias to fight back in their own unique way.
Age
10-12
Length
320 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Ani
Mathias
Ani'S Mother
Discussion points
How do you think Ani's life in Guernica is different from yours? What challenges does she face?
Why do you think friendship plays a vital part in Ani's journey? How does Mathias help her grow?
Ani and Mathias find themselves amidst the Spanish Civil War; how do they contribute to their community despite the dangers?
What does Ani learn about trust and betrayal throughout the story? Have you ever had similar experiences?
How does the theme of hope resonate throughout the book? In what ways do Ani and the people around her hold onto hope?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to put themselves in Ani’s shoes while reading, promoting empathy and understanding of her situation.
Discuss the historical context of the Spanish Civil War with your child, helping them grasp the significance of the setting.
Use the book's themes such as friendship, bravery, and resilience as starting points to talk about personal experiences and lessons learned.
After every reading session, ask your child what surprised them the most about the plot developments or character decisions.
Reinforce the importance of hope and perseverance demonstrated in the book, drawing parallels to current real-world situations.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The power of friendship
Explanation: In 'A Thunderous Whisper', the protagonist forms a powerful bond with a new friend, which helps her navigate through various challenges during wartime.
Real-World Application: Children can learn the importance of forming and maintaining friendships to provide mutual support during difficult times.
Example Lesson: Resilience in adversity
Explanation: The main character demonstrates resilience after experiencing significant loss and upheaval, showing that strength can be found even in the darkest times.
Real-World Application: This lesson teaches children the value of perseverance and finding inner strength when faced with personal challenges or setbacks.
Example Lesson: The impact of war on communities
Explanation: The story reveals the harsh realities of war and its effects on communities, emphasizing the importance of peace and the human cost of conflict.
Real-World Application: Children can learn empathy for those who live in conflict zones and understand the significance of peace-building in their own communities.
Example Lesson: Empathy and compassion
Explanation: By witnessing the protagonist's journey and her interactions, readers learn the importance of showing empathy and compassion towards others.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to be considerate and understand the feelings and situations of others around them in real life.