Beyond the Music: The Bono Story (ZonderKidz Biography)
Zonderkidz Biography Series
on Goodreads (10)
What’s inside...
Awards, fame, wealth . Bono has it all. But one of the biggest rock stars in the world has something more important which has guided every step of his success: faith. From growing up in Ireland during deadly times, to performing on the largest stages in the world, Bono's beliefs have kept him grounded and focused on what truly matters. In addition to his award-winning music, his humanitarian efforts have earned him an honorary knighthood and a Nobel Peace Prize nomination. Previously published as Breaking Through by Grace, this revised edition includes the latest on Bono, the injury that interrupted a sold-out tour, and his work on the Broadway musical, Spider-Man, Turn Off the Dark. Whether using his voice to captivate an audience or fight for justice, Bono is a champion of the lost and a hero to those who long for harmony.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
9-12
Length
128 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Bono (Paul David Hewson)
Discussion points
What do you think motivated Bono to use his music to help people around the world?
How can one person's creativity, like Bono's, make a difference in global issues?
Can you think of other ways art can influence positive changes in society?
How do you feel about the challenges Bono faced and overcame in his journey?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start the conversation by sharing your own favorite musicians and artists, and then ask your child about what they admire in Bono's story.
Relate the themes of the book to your child’s current experiences or aspirations to help them connect personally with Bono's initiatives.
Encourage your child to express their thoughts about the role of music and art in their own life and in societal change.
Discuss the concept of empathy and social responsibility portrayed in the book, and engage your child in thinking about how they can contribute to their own community.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Empathy and Understanding
Explanation: The book explores Bono's efforts to help others through his music and humanitarian work, highlighting his empathy towards people suffering from poverty and disease.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to understand and share the feelings of others, promoting a more inclusive and caring attitude in their interactions with friends and family.
Example Lesson: Importance of Perseverance
Explanation: Bono's journey to success with his band U2, despite various challenges, serves as a testament to his perseverance, showing young readers that determination can lead to achieving one's goals.
Real-World Application: This lesson encourages children to continue working towards their goals, even when faced with difficulties, fostering a resilient and persistent character.
Example Lesson: Creative Expression
Explanation: Bono’s use of music to express thoughts and emotions and to impact the world illustrates the power of creativity.
Real-World Application: Children can be encouraged to explore and express themselves through creative activities such as music, art, or writing, helping to develop their own unique voices and perspectives.
Example Lesson: Civic Responsibility
Explanation: The narrative details how Bono uses his fame to advocate for global causes and encourages political leaders to support development initiatives, demonstrating his sense of civic duty.
Real-World Application: This can inspire children to become involved in community service or other activities that contribute to the betterment of society, instilling a sense of responsibility and active citizenship.
Example Lesson: Global Awareness
Explanation: Through Bono's involvement in global issues, the book highlights the interconnectedness of our world and the impact one individual can have internationally.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to be more informed about world events and cultures, enhancing their global perspective and encouraging a deeper understanding of different human experiences.