Boy Giant
on Goodreads (11)
What’s inside...
A stunning new story from Sir Michael Morpurgo, 'A Long Journey,' follows young Omar and his mother as they flee war-torn Afghanistan across the sea to Europe. Tragedy strikes when their boat sinks, leaving Omar alone and hopeless. However, inspired by 'Gulliver’s Travels,' Omar's adventure takes a miraculous turn, proving that even a little hope can have a profound impact. This gripping modern tale of rescue and refuge emphasizes breaking down walls and the boundless capacity for human goodness.
Age
8-14
Length
288 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Omar
Discussion points
How do you think Omar felt when he traveled alone to a new place? What would you do in his situation?
Omar meets many different people on his journey. How do you think friendships can help in difficult times?
The story shows different cultures and places. What did you learn about the world through Omar's eyes?
How does Omar use his size to help others in the story? What are some ways we can use our unique qualities to help people around us?
What do you think is the main message of 'Boy Giant'? How can we apply this message in our daily lives?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage empathy by asking your child to put themselves in Omar’s shoes, which helps develop emotional intelligence and global awareness.
Discuss the importance of diversity and learning from different cultures, as presented through Omar's encounters.
Highlight Omar's challenges and victories to teach resilience. Ask your child about challenges they face and how they can overcome them.
Use Omar's story to discuss the importance of community support and kindness towards others, reinforcing social values and cooperation.
Conclude the conversation by asking your child how they can apply the lessons learned from Omar's journey in their own life.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Empathy and understanding
Explanation: In 'Boy Giant', the protagonist Omar experiences the struggles of being a refugee, which helps children understand the challenges faced by others in difficult circumstances.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by showing kindness and support to peers who might be from different backgrounds or in challenging situations.
Example Lesson: Resilience in adversity
Explanation: Omar shows remarkable resilience throughout his journey, providing a model of determination and hope.
Real-World Application: This lesson can encourage children to persevere through their own challenges, whether they are big or small.
Example Lesson: Importance of friendship
Explanation: Throughout his journey, Omar forms friendships that help him navigate through his difficulties, highlighting the value of supportive relationships.
Real-World Application: Children learn to value and nurture friendships and understand how crucial they are in overcoming life's obstacles.
Example Lesson: Courage to seek a better life
Explanation: Omar's journey is fueled by his courage to seek a safer and better environment, demonstrating the importance of bravery in pursuit of a better situation.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to be brave when facing new situations or making difficult decisions that could lead to improved circumstances.
Example Lesson: Cultural awareness and appreciation
Explanation: As Omar encounters various cultures throughout his journey, the story promotes understanding and appreciation of cultural diversity.
Real-World Application: This can help children embrace and celebrate diverse cultures within their own communities.