Climbing the Stairs
on Goodreads (3,367)
What’s inside...
Read Padma Venkatraman's posts on the Penguin Blog. Fifteen-year-old Vidya dreams of going to college—an unusual aspiration for a girl living in British occupied India during World War II. Then tragedy strikes, and Vidya and her brother are forced to move into a traditional household with their extended family, where women are meant to be married, not educated. Breaking the rules, Vidya finds refuge in her grandfather’s library. But then her brother does something unthinkable, and Vidya’s life becomes a whirlwind of political and personal complications. The question is, will she be strong enough to survive? Watch a Video
Age
12-15
Length
272 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Vidya
Raman
Kitta
Thatha
Appa (Vidya'S Father)
Amma (Vidya'S Mother)
Periamma
Discussion points
How do you think Vidya’s dreams and aspirations influence her decisions throughout the story?
In what ways does the backdrop of World War II impact the characters and their choices in the book?
Vidya faces many challenges on her journey. Which challenge do you think was the hardest and why?
What lessons can we learn from Vidya's relationship with her family members?
How do Vidya's experiences at the traditional, conservative home contrast with her life before, and how does it change her?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start by asking your child what emotions they felt while reading the book to connect on an emotional level.
Encourage them to compare their own challenges with those of Vidya, fostering empathy and understanding.
Discuss the historical context of the book. Explain the significance of World War II and Indian independence to provide a deeper understanding of the setting.
Ask your child to think about how they might have reacted in Vidya's situations to develop critical thinking.
Highlight the themes of perseverance and resilience shown by Vidya; discuss how these qualities can be applied in your child’s life.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Resilience in the face of adversity
Explanation: The protagonist, Vidya, navigates through the challenges of living in a conservative household during a turbulent period in India, showcasing perseverance and resilience.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of standing firm and persevering through their personal challenges, whether it be at school, in sports, or in social situations.
Example Lesson: The value of education for girls
Explanation: Vidya's journey emphasizes the importance of education for girls in a society where it was not typically prioritized, illustrating her path to empowerment and independence.
Real-World Application: This lesson underscores the significance of equal educational opportunities for all children, inspiring young girls to pursue their education earnestly and aim for their personal best.
Example Lesson: Empathy and understanding
Explanation: Through interactions between different characters in the story, the importance of empathy and understanding different perspectives is vividly portrayed.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to be more empathetic towards their peers, understanding different backgrounds and experiences, fostering a more inclusive environment at school and home.
Example Lesson: The impact of social change
Explanation: Set during the Indian Independence movement, the book provides a backdrop that demonstrates the effects of social and political changes on individual lives.
Real-World Application: This lesson encourages children to be aware of historical contexts and their impacts, promoting a better understanding of the world they live in and the importance of civic awareness and engagement.