Cascades - "Come to Mecca" (Collins Cascades)
#3 in Cascades Series
on Goodreads (7)
What’s inside...
A collection of six short stories about young people in Britain's cities today.
Discussion points
How did the different stories in 'Come to Mecca' make you feel?
Which character did you relate to the most and why?
What do you think was the main message of the book?
How do you think the characters’ journeys affected their decisions?
If you could change one part of the book, what would it be and why?
Tip: Role play these questions
Utilize pauses after each question to give your child time to think and express their thoughts.
Show interest in their answers with follow-up questions to delve deeper into their understanding and perspective.
Connect the themes of the book to your child's personal experiences to make the discussion more relatable.
Encourage your child to imagine alternative endings or scenarios to enhance their critical thinking and creativity.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Respect for cultural diversity
Explanation: The book showcases a variety of characters from different cultural backgrounds converging in Mecca, illustrating the importance of respect and understanding across cultures.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to appreciate and embrace the differences between their peers, promoting inclusivity and respect in their everyday interactions at school or in their community.
Example Lesson: Importance of faith and personal belief
Explanation: Characters in the book display a strong connection to their faith as they undertake their pilgrimage, highlighting how personal beliefs guide and support individuals.
Real-World Application: This can encourage children to respect their own and others' beliefs and understand the strength that personal convictions can offer in challenging times.
Example Lesson: The power of unity and communal support
Explanation: As the characters experience their journey together, they lend each other support and strength, demonstrating the power of community.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by participating in group activities, offering support to friends, and learning to work together to achieve common goals in classroom or extracurricular settings.