Faces In The Water
on Goodreads (207)
What’s inside...
Faces in the Water by Ranjit Lal is a poignant and thought-provoking novel that addresses the pressing issue of female infanticide in India. Narrated by spirits of infant girls who were tragically killed by their families due to gender biases, the story is revealed from inside a well where their bodies were discarded. These spirits share their individual stories and their collective fate, highlighting the cultural and societal biases that favor sons over daughters. The novel critically examines the patriarchal norms that perpetuate such violence and calls for change. It serves as a haunting reminder of the sanctity of human life and the urgent need to address gender-based discrimination.
Age
7-14
Length
202 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How did the different characters' reactions to the environmental issues in the story make you feel?
What can we do together as a family to help protect our water bodies like the characters in the book?
Can you think of a time when you helped someone or something in nature? How did that make you feel?
Why do you think the author chose water and its inhabitants to tell this story? What does water symbolize?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their feelings about the story and relate it to their real-world experiences.
Discuss the importance of water conservation and how it affects wildlife, drawing parallels to the story's themes.
Use the book as a starting point to plan a family activity, such as visiting a local body of water or participating in a community clean-up.
Ask open-ended questions to help your child think critically about the story and how it can be applied to their own life.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Environmental awareness
Explanation: The book introduces children to the effects of pollution on aquatic life, specifically detailing how human actions impact the environment.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of sustainable practices like reducing plastic use and keeping water bodies clean to protect wildlife.
Example Lesson: Empathy for animals
Explanation: By portraying the struggles and perspectives of aquatic creatures, 'Faces In The Water' encourages children to understand and empathize with animals.
Real-World Application: This lesson helps children develop kindness towards animals, influencing how they treat pets and wildlife in their surroundings.
Example Lesson: Teamwork and collaboration
Explanation: The characters in the book often work together to tackle challenges, highlighting the benefits of collaborative efforts.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to cooperate with siblings and peers, understanding that teamwork often leads to better solutions.
Example Lesson: Consequences of actions
Explanation: The narrative shows how negative behavior towards the environment can have harmful effects on all living creatures, demonstrating the concept of actions and consequences.
Real-World Application: Teaches children to consider the potential impacts of their actions on others and the environment, promoting responsible behavior.
Example Lesson: Resilience in adversity
Explanation: The aquatic characters face various threats and learn to adapt and persevere, showcasing resilience.
Real-World Application: Children learn the value of persistence and resilience in overcoming difficulties in their own lives.