Maggie & Oliver or A Bone of One's Own
What’s inside...
Maggie, a curious young maid, is thrown out of a fine lady's house with only a heart-shaped locket as a keepsake. Lost and alone, she encounters a little dog named Oliver, whom she calls 'Lucky.' With Lucky's help, Maggie finds a warm and wonderful new home for both of them.
Age
8-12
Length
208 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Maggie
Oliver
Discussion points
How do you think Maggie felt when she had to leave her home? What would you do if you were in her situation?
Why is the friendship between Maggie and Oliver important? How do friends help us in tough times?
What does the phrase 'A Bone of One's Own' mean to you? Why do you think this title was chosen for the book?
How do the characters change throughout the story? What do you think they learned?
If you could help Maggie or Oliver, what would you have done differently in the story?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage empathy by asking your child to consider the feelings of both Maggie and Oliver. Discuss different emotions and how they would handle similar situations.
Highlight the importance of friendship and mutual support. Discuss with your child instances where they have helped a friend or received help.
Discuss the meaning behind the title and its relevance to the story to enhance comprehension and interpretative skills.
Explore the character development with your child, discussing how challenges can lead to growth and learning.
Use open-ended questions to allow your child to express their thoughts and relate personal experiences to the story's events.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Resilience in the face of adversity
Explanation: Maggie and Oliver overcome numerous challenges, including losing their homes. Their journey illustrates the power of resilience.
Real-World Application: Children learn to face difficult situations with courage and understand that they can overcome obstacles with determination.
Example Lesson: The importance of friendship and companionship
Explanation: Throughout their adventures, the bond between Maggie and Oliver grows, showing how friendship can provide comfort and support.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to build and maintain friendships, understanding how crucial companionship is during tough times.
Example Lesson: Compassion and kindness
Explanation: The characters often act with kindness towards each other, despite their own struggles, teaching the importance of empathy.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to act kindly and show empathy in their interactions with others, fostering a more compassionate community.
Example Lesson: Adaptability
Explanation: Maggie and Oliver face many changes and learn to adapt to new environments and situations.
Real-World Application: Children understand the importance of being flexible and adapting to changes whether at school or in social settings.
Example Lesson: Self-reliance
Explanation: Both characters learn to depend on themselves to solve problems and find food and shelter.
Real-World Application: This lesson promotes independence in children, motivating them to trust in their abilities and be resourceful.