The Giver Quartet Series
Messenger
on Goodreads (50)
What’s inside...
Based on the lives of the author's mother and grandmother, tells the story of a widowed Croatian immigrant trying to keep her family together in the mining towns of Ontario in the 1920s and 1930s.
Series reading
Sequential
Age
4-8
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How did the main character's journey make you feel?
What do you think the author wanted us to learn from the story?
How would you handle the situations faced by the characters?
What are some ways the characters showed courage?
Tip: Role play these questions
Before starting the conversation, share your own thoughts and feelings about the book to encourage your child to open up.
Ask your child to pick their favorite character and explain why they liked them, which can lead into deeper discussion on the character's decisions and growth.
Encourage your child to think about the moral dilemmas in the book and what they would do in a similar situation.
Discuss the book's ending and ask your child if they would change anything and why, to engage their critical thinking and creativity.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of resilience and perseverance
Explanation: In 'Messenger', the protagonist faces numerous challenges and adversities but continuously strives to overcome them. This theme is demonstrated through the character's relentless effort to deliver crucial messages despite the obstacles she encounters.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to persist through difficulties in their own lives, such as completing challenging tasks or dealing with setbacks in school or sports.
Example Lesson: The value of honesty and integrity
Explanation: The protagonist of 'Messenger' holds onto her principles, despite numerous temptations to compromise her integrity for personal gain. Her choices reflect a strong moral compass.
Real-World Application: This lesson can teach children the importance of being truthful and maintaining ethical standards, whether in their academic endeavors or in personal relationships.
Example Lesson: The power of communication
Explanation: Throughout the book, the protagonist’s role as a messenger highlights the impact of effective communication in resolving conflicts and misunderstanding.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to express themselves clearly and listen to others, skills that are vital for effective teamwork and resolving disputes among peers.
Example Lesson: Empathy and understanding
Explanation: The protagonist encounters various individuals from different backgrounds and learns to understand their experiences and emotions, promoting empathy.
Real-World Application: This can help children appreciate diversity and foster an inclusive attitude towards classmates and friends who may be different from them.
Example Lesson: Courage in face of fear
Explanation: The young messenger frequently faces fearful situations but she shows courage and tackles them head-on, teaching her peers and readers alike about bravery.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by bravely facing their own fears, be it speaking in front of a class, trying out for a team, or standing up against a wrong.