Little Light
on Goodreads (34)
What’s inside...
Ava is hiding - hiding from the small cramped room where she lives with her two little siblings and her mum, hiding from the taunts and hostility she gets at school, hiding from her sometimes lonely and joyless life. But there is love here too. Her best friend Roxy, her wise Trinidadian Nan and a stray dog she befriends bring warmth to her life. Can Ava find the courage to confront her challenges and let in the light? This moving, emotive, and poignant poetic novel by Coral Rumble is a compellingly beautiful read.
Age
10-14
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How did Little Light feel when it was dark and what did it do to make things brighter?
What was your favorite part of Little Light’s adventure?
Why do you think Little Light wanted to keep shining? What does this tell us about trying and not giving up?
Can you think of a time when you were like Little Light, and you made a situation better by being brave?
What would you do if you were Little Light for a day?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use expressive reading to depict the emotions of Little Light throughout the story, helping your child connect with the character’s journey.
Pause at key moments in the story to ask predictive questions, such as 'What do you think will happen next?' to engage your child’s imagination and cognitive skills.
After reading, relate the story to your child's personal experiences to deepen their understanding and empathy.
Encourage your child to draw a picture of their favorite scene from the book. Discuss what’s happening in the picture and why they chose that scene.
Promote empathy by discussing the feelings of Little Light and other characters. Ask your child how they would feel in similar situations.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Empathy
Explanation: In 'Little Light', the protagonist learns to understand and share the feelings of others through interaction with diverse characters.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this by acknowledging their friends' feelings and perspectives, fostering a supportive environment both at home and in school.
Example Lesson: Perseverance
Explanation: The story showcases the main character facing various challenges but persistently working towards solving them, demonstrating the value of not giving up.
Real-World Application: This teaches children to keep trying in the face of difficulties, whether it be homework, sports, or personal goals.
Example Lesson: Importance of Friendship
Explanation: Throughout the book, the bonds of friendship help the characters overcome obstacles, highlighting the strength found in relationships.
Real-World Application: Kids learn to nurture friendships and rely on collective strength in challenging times, be it in team projects or family hardships.
Example Lesson: Problem Solving
Explanation: The book features scenarios where the characters come together to think critically and solve problems creatively.
Real-World Application: This lesson encourages children to use their imagination and logic to navigate everyday challenges and academic tasks.
Example Lesson: Joy in Learning
Explanation: As the characters explore their world, they discover new information excitedly, which sparks a love for learning.
Real-World Application: This can motivate children to approach their studies with curiosity and enthusiasm, embracing education in all its forms.