On Being Sarah
What’s inside...
Even though life with cerebral palsy isn't easy for twelve-year-old Sarah, she manages with the help of her loving family and several new friends. Sarah Bennett, who has cerebral palsy, gets her chance to become a part of the 'normal' world when she is mainstreamed into a regular school, and learns to come to terms with her special challenge.
Age
9-12
Length
144 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Sarah
Discussion points
How do you think Sarah felt when she had to make new friends in the story?
What are some ways Sarah showed bravery?
Can you think of a time when you felt like Sarah? How did you handle it?
Why is it important to be kind and understanding to new friends?
What would you have done differently if you were in Sarah's shoes?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their feelings about the book by relating to Sarah's experiences.
Discuss the importance of empathy and understanding by exploring how Sarah interacts with other characters.
Ask your child to draw a picture of their favorite scene and explain why they chose it.
Create a safe space for your child to share personal experiences similar to Sarah’s story to deepen their connection to the themes.
Praise your child’s thoughts and contributions to the discussion to build their confidence and encourage further participation.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Empathy and Understanding
Explanation: The book portrays Sarah's journey of navigating her emotions and understanding those of others around her.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this by recognizing and respecting the feelings of their peers and family members, fostering a nurturing social environment.
Example Lesson: Resilience in the face of adversity
Explanation: Sarah encounters various challenges but learns to overcome them with perseverance and courage.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to persist through their own difficulties, be it at school or in personal situations, enhancing their problem-solving skills and emotional strength.
Example Lesson: Importance of Self-Identity
Explanation: Throughout the story, Sarah explores what makes her unique and learns to embrace her individuality.
Real-World Application: This lesson supports children in appreciating their own traits and qualities, boosting self-esteem and encouraging them to express themselves authentically.
Example Lesson: Value of Friendship
Explanation: Sarah experiences the highs and lows of friendships, ultimately understanding the mutual respect and support needed to maintain them.
Real-World Application: Kids are inspired to build stronger, healthier relationships, learning about trust and cooperation among friends.
Example Lesson: Creative Problem Solving
Explanation: The narrative showcases Sarah using creativity to solve problems that she faces, emphasizing out-of-the-box thinking.
Real-World Application: This can be applied in a child’s everyday life by encouraging them to think creatively in school projects or in resolving conflicts with others.