The Bookshop Girl
What’s inside...
This narrative follows Property Jones, a little girl who was abandoned in a bookshop's lost property cupboard at age five. Despite her love for the bookshop, she harbors a big secret - she cannot read. Her family unknowingly wins a chance to own the grand Montgomery Book Emporium and they move to this magical bookshop filled with countless books and a temperamental cat. However, not everything is as it seems at the Emporium, leading Property into trouble. In a contrasting academic exploration, 'Camera Lucida' by Barthes delves into the essence and impact of photographs. Through his analysis of a childhood photo of his late mother, Barthes unveils personal reflections filled with grief. This work investigates themes such as the nature of photographs, the relationship between photography and theatre, history, and death, ultimately becoming an exposition into Barthes' own mind, all presented in a special Vintage Design edition with stunning photography.
Age
8-12
Length
219 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Property Jones
Michael Jones
Netty Jones
Mr. Montgomery
Discussion points
What would you do if you discovered a magical element in your favorite place, like Property did in 'The Bookshop Girl'?
How did Property’s feelings about her family and the bookshop change throughout the story?
Why is it important to help others, as seen through Property's actions in the book?
What do you think makes a place feel like home?
If you could create a mystery like the one in 'The Bookshop Girl,' what would it involve?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to think about the significance of family and belonging. Discuss how Property’s life at the bookshop with her family influenced her actions and decisions.
Discuss the concept of bravery and problem-solving by reviewing the challenges Property faced and how she overcame them.
Highlight the mystery elements in the story and ask your child to predict what might happen next at various points during your reading sessions to keep them engaged.
After reading the book, visit a local bookshop together to draw real-life parallels and deepen the connection with the story’s setting.
Use imaginative play to recreate scenes from the book, which not only enhances comprehension but also makes the reading experience lively and memorable.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The value of honesty
Explanation: In 'The Bookshop Girl', the protagonist faces situations where she must choose to tell the truth or keep secrets. Her choices emphasize the importance of honesty in building trust with others.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to incorporate honesty in their daily interactions, understanding that being truthful builds stronger relationships and creates a supportive environment.
Example Lesson: Courage in adversity
Explanation: Throughout the story, the main character encounters various challenges and shows courage in facing them, demonstrating resilience and bravery.
Real-World Application: This lesson teaches children that facing difficulties bravely is part of life, and it's important to tackle them head-on, fostering resilience and self-confidence in real-world situations.
Example Lesson: The joy of reading and learning
Explanation: The setting in a whimsical bookshop underpins the entire narrative, highlighting the magic and possibilities that books and learning bring to one's life.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to explore books and seek knowledge, understanding that reading is not only enjoyable but also a gateway to learning and imagination.
Example Lesson: Importance of helping others
Explanation: Characters in the book often collaborate and help each other, underlining the theme of community support and kindness.
Real-World Application: This can inspire children to be helpful and considerate towards others in their community, promoting empathy and cooperative behavior.
Example Lesson: Celebrating uniqueness
Explanation: The diverse range of characters in 'The Bookshop Girl' showcases various traits and talents, celebrating individual differences.
Real-World Application: This lesson can help children appreciate and embrace their own unique qualities as well as those of others around them, enhancing social acceptance and personal self-esteem.