Chin Up Chest Out, Jemima!
on Goodreads (9)
What’s inside...
In 'Chin Up Chest Out, Jemima!', we follow the uplifting journey of Jemima, a young girl who faces various challenges with resilience and determination. Set in a quaint English village, the story captures Jemima's adventures as she navigates the complexities of adolescence, family dynamics, and personal growth. With the support of her quirky friends and family, Jemima learns valuable life lessons about self-confidence, the importance of staying true to oneself, and the power of a positive attitude. Mary Cadogan's writing is infused with humor and warmth, making this a heartwarming tale for readers of all ages.
Age
8-12
Length
351 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think Jemima was feeling when she decided to chin up and chest out? Can you tell me about a time you felt the same?
Why is it important to be brave like Jemima? How can you show bravery in your own life?
Jemima had to make a difficult choice. What do you think helped her decide? What helps you when you have to make a choice?
How did Jemima’s actions affect those around her? Can our actions change the way others feel?
What does 'Chin up, chest out' mean to you now, after reading about Jemima’s story?
Tip: Role play these questions
While discussing the questions, relate them to real-life scenarios your child might face to make the themes more relevant.
Encourage your child to express their feelings freely, validating them and showing empathy to deepen the emotional understanding of the book’s themes.
Use expressive reading techniques, such as changing your tone and volume when discussing different parts of the story, to make the reading experience more dynamic and engaging.
After discussing the questions, encourage your child to draw or write about a time when they demonstrated bravery, linking the story to their personal experiences.
Revisit the story after your child faces a challenging situation, using Jemima’s example to reinforce the discussed themes and their application in real life.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Self-Confidence
Explanation: Jemima displays courage and belief in herself as she overcomes various challenges, showing kids the importance of self-confidence.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by believing in their abilities, whether it’s during school presentations, sports, or in social settings.
Example Lesson: Resilience
Explanation: Throughout the story, Jemima faces setbacks but always bounces back. This resilience teaches children that it's okay to fail and encourages them to keep trying.
Real-World Application: Kids can remember Jemima's resilience when they face difficulties in learning new skills or when dealing with personal setbacks.
Example Lesson: Empathy
Explanation: Jemima shows understanding and concern for her friends' feelings. This helps children grasp the importance of empathy towards others.
Real-World Application: Children can practice empathy by being considerate and understanding towards their peers and family members, fostering stronger relationships.
Example Lesson: Importance of Friendship
Explanation: The support Jemima receives from her friends highlights the value of having good friends and being a good friend in return.
Real-World Application: Children can work on building strong, supportive friendships and learn the importance of fostering positive interactions with their peers.