Different lives
on Goodreads (9)
What’s inside...
Sixteen-year-old Sarah lives in a comfortable Dublin home, with a loving family and a university future ahead of her. But she yearns to strike out on her own, and one day she decides to leave home. She soon discovers that life on her own can be very tough.
Age
10-14
Length
176 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How did reading about the characters' diverse lives make you feel? What did you find most interesting about their stories?
Why do you think it's important to learn about people who live differently from us?
Which character did you feel you understood the best? What made you feel connected to their story?
What are some ways we can show kindness and understanding to people who are different from us?
How do you think the characters' experiences changed them? Can you think of a time when you learned something important from someone else's experience?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start the discussion by sharing your own feelings about the book's themes, setting a comfortable tone for open conversation.
Encourage your child to express their thoughts and feelings about the book without interrupting, ensuring they feel heard and valued.
Link discussions to real-life scenarios, asking your child how they would act in similar situations, enhancing their empathy and decision-making skills.
Celebrate the diversity and encourage exploration of various cultures through activities such as cooking a dish from another country or learning a few words in a different language, inspired by the book.
Use the book's themes as a springboard to discuss the importance of inclusivity and respect in everyday interactions, reinforcing these values.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Empathy and understanding
Explanation: The book 'Different Lives' follows characters from diverse backgrounds and situations, highlighting their unique challenges and triumphs. By showcasing these different perspectives, it teaches children to understand and empathize with people who may not look or live like them.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by showing kindness and consideration to classmates who come from different cultural or socio-economic backgrounds, fostering a more inclusive community.
Example Lesson: Resilience through adversity
Explanation: As the characters in 'Different Lives' navigate hurdles, they demonstrate that setbacks can be overcome with persistence and courage. This storyline instills a sense of resilience in young readers.
Real-World Application: This lesson translates into the ability of a child to persevere through challenges they face in schoolwork or social situations, understanding that they can emerge stronger from tough experiences.
Example Lesson: The importance of friendships
Explanation: Throughout 'Different Lives', friendships play a crucial role in supporting characters through their journeys. The book highlights how friends can help overcome obstacles and celebrate successes together.
Real-World Application: Children learn to value their friendships and to be supportive friends themselves, which can help in building strong, supportive networks from a young age.
Example Lesson: Celebrating diversity
Explanation: By featuring characters from various backgrounds, 'Different Lives' teaches the beauty and strength found in diversity and encourages acceptance and celebration of differences.
Real-World Application: In real life, this lesson encourages children to be open-minded and appreciative towards classmates and neighbors who might have different traditions and viewpoints, enriching their own lives and perspectives.
Example Lesson: Growth mindset
Explanation: The book portrays characters who learn and grow from their experiences, which can inspire children to see learning as a continuous and positive journey.
Real-World Application: This can motivate children to approach learning with enthusiasm and persistence, whether acquiring a new skill or understanding academic subjects, fostering a lifelong love for learning.