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No problem, man (Siyagruva series)

#3 of 20 in Siyagruva series

What’s inside...

Thabiso never discusses his accident, possibly due to an inability to face it. Rashaad is coming to terms with his sexual identity, but is still unsure of his social identity. Regan finds himself torn between his past involvement in gang life and his current involvement in the movie industry.
Series reading

Sequential

Age

12-15

Length

123 pages

Text complexity

Discussion points

What challenges did the characters face in the story and how did they overcome them?
How did the characters' friendships influence their decisions and actions?
What did you learn about different cultures from the story?
How would you help a friend in a similar situation as the characters in the book?
What part of the story did you find most exciting or surprising?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start the conversation by sharing your own thoughts on the book’s themes and characters to set a comfortable tone. Use examples from the book to relate to real-life situations your child might encounter. Focus on the emotions of the characters and ask your child how they would feel in similar situations. Highlight the importance of friendship and cultural diversity, encouraging your child to share their experiences and views. Ask open-ended questions that stimulate critical thinking and personal connection to the story.

Key lessons

Example Lesson: Resilience in the face of adversity
Explanation: The characters in 'No problem, man' face various challenges but learn to overcome them through determination and persistence.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by not giving up when facing difficulties in school or in their personal lives, understanding that perseverance is key to overcoming obstacles.
Example Lesson: Importance of friendship and teamwork
Explanation: The book showcases how the characters work together and support each other to solve problems, highlighting the value of cooperation.
Real-World Application: This teaches children to value collaborative efforts and to seek and offer support among peers in group tasks or team activities at school.
Example Lesson: Cultural appreciation and diversity
Explanation: Set in a vibrant community, the story celebrates cultural diversity and promotes respect and understanding among different ethnic groups.
Real-World Application: Children learn to appreciate and embrace cultural differences in their community, promoting inclusivity and respect for everyone regardless of background.
Example Lesson: Accountability for actions
Explanation: Characters in the story learn to take responsibility for their actions and understand the consequences that follow.
Real-World Application: This lesson can help children understand the importance of being accountable for their actions and how their choices affect others, encouraging responsible behavior.

No problem, man (Siyagruva series) by Biron Alnam