No Way Of Telling
on Goodreads (79)
What’s inside...
Stranded by a blizzard on their lonely Welsh farm, a young girl named Amy and her grandmother, Mrs. Bowen, are confronted by a series of strange visitors. When a threatening blizzard causes an early school dismissal, Amy must trudge through the snow to reach their home, Gwyntfa. They prepare for being snowed in, enjoying each other's company and their nightly routine. However, their peace is shattered by a violent intrusion, and over the next four days, they encounter more mysterious visitors. Despite the initial fear, Mrs. Bowen's instincts tell her they mean no harm. Amidst the suspenseful backdrop of a Welsh hillfarm in winter, Amy and her grandmother confront potential danger in a story filled with tension and intrigue.
Age
12-15
Length
256 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What did you feel when Mia found herself lost in the forest? How do you think she managed her feelings?
Mia meets various animals along her journey. Which animal was your favorite and why?
The story shows how Mia uses her senses to navigate the forest. What senses would you use if you were in her place?
How did the ending of the story make you feel? What do you think is the message of the story?
If you could give Mia advice at the beginning of her adventure, what would you tell her?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start the conversation by sharing your own thoughts on Mia's journey and her decisions, highlighting her bravery and resourcefulness. Encourage your child to think about the times when they've faced something unknown and how they dealt with it. Connect their personal experiences with Mia's adventure to deepen their understanding of the story's themes. Finally, ask your child to imagine alternative scenarios and solutions, fostering creative thinking and problem-solving skills.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Empathy and Understanding
Explanation: The story focuses on characters from different backgrounds, encouraging readers to understand and empathize with diverse perspectives.
Real-World Application: Children learn to appreciate the feelings and viewpoints of others, fostering respectful and harmonious interactions in school and social settings.
Example Lesson: Courage and Resilience
Explanation: The protagonist faces challenges but overcomes them bravely, showing resilience.
Real-World Application: This instills the importance of facing difficulties with courage, helping children to handle obstacles in their own lives confidently.
Example Lesson: The Value of Honesty
Explanation: Characters in the book learn the consequences of dishonesty and the importance of being truthful.
Real-World Application: Children learn the significance of honesty in building trust and maintaining healthy relationships with peers and adults.
Example Lesson: Importance of Teamwork
Explanation: The characters must collaborate to solve a problem, showcasing the power of teamwork.
Real-World Application: This emphasizes to children the effectiveness of working together, encouraging cooperative group activities at school or play.
Example Lesson: Acceptance of Change
Explanation: As the story progresses, characters learn to accept and adapt to changes in their environment.
Real-World Application: Teaches children to embrace change positively, preparing them to adapt to new situations such as moving to a new school or city.