Begging for Change
on Goodreads (2,741)
What’s inside...
Teenaged Raspberry Hill tries to sort out her confused feelings of disgust, shame, and love for her homeless, drug addicted father and worries that she may have inherited his lying and stealing ways.
Why read this book
- Addresses real-life issues with sensitivity and insight.
- Encourages empathy and understanding in young readers.
- Inspires resilience and positive change.
- Engaging narrative that captivates and educates.
Age
10-14
Length
240 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Raspberry Hill
Raspberry'S Father
Raspberry'S Mother
Ebony
Discussion points
How did Raspberry's feelings about money change throughout the story, and what do you think influenced these changes?
What role do friends and family play in Raspberry's life? How do they help or hinder her as she tries to achieve her goals?
How does Raspberry cope with her challenges and setbacks? Can you think of a time when you faced a similar situation and how you handled it?
What lessons do you think Raspberry learned by the end of the book about trust and forgiveness?
If you were in Raspberry's shoes, what would you have done differently in her situation?
Tip: Role play these questions
Before starting the discussion, provide a brief summary of the book to refresh your child's memory of the plot and characters.
Encourage your child to express their thoughts and feelings about the story, acknowledging their perspectives even if they differ from your own.
Use examples from the book to highlight themes like resilience, responsibility, and the impact of community and relationships on personal decisions.
Relate the discussion to your child's personal experiences, asking if they’ve ever faced similar dilemmas and how they resolved them.
End the conversation by asking your child how the themes from 'Begging for Change' might apply to their future decisions or behaviors.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Value of Honesty
Explanation: The protagonist, Raspberry Hill, learns the significance of being truthful, especially when dealing with tough situations involving friends and family.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by understanding the importance of honesty in building trust and maintaining healthy relationships in their lives.
Example Lesson: Consequences of Greed
Explanation: Raspberry's intense desire to secure money, driven by her fear of poverty, leads to moral dilemmas and personal conflicts, showcasing the negative impacts of greed.
Real-World Application: This lesson can help children comprehend that excessive greed can harm relationships and personal integrity, guiding them to seek balance in their desires.
Example Lesson: Empathy and Understanding
Explanation: Throughout the book, Raspberry learns to empathize with others' situations, which enriches her relationships and personal growth.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to put themselves in others' shoes, fostering empathy and improving interactions with peers and family members.
Example Lesson: Resilience in Adversity
Explanation: Raspberry faces various challenges through the story, and her ability to persevere teaches the importance of resilience.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to remain resilient and hopeful even during tough times, teaching them that endurance can lead to positive outcomes.
Example Lesson: Importance of Forgiveness
Explanation: The character development in the story highlights how Raspberry and others learn to forgive, which heals relationships and personal well-being.
Real-World Application: This lesson can be crucial in teaching children the power of forgiveness, helping them to release grudges and heal emotionally.