The Girls of Friar's Rise
on Goodreads (28)
What’s inside...
The Girls of Friar's Rise follows the lives of three sisters, Prudence, Felicity, and Charity, as they navigate the challenges of growing up in a small English village in the early 20th century. The book explores themes of family, friendship, and changing social dynamics, as the sisters confront their own desires and ambitions while dealing with societal expectations. When their parents visit Canada, the six Nairne sisters are left to look after themselves and their Devonshire home, Friar's Rise, learning valuable lessons about love, loyalty, and staying true to oneself.
Age
10-16
Length
123 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think the girls of Friar's Rise could teach us about friendship?
How do the different characters handle challenges and what can we learn from them?
If you were a character in the book, who would you be and why?
What part of the story made you feel the happiest or most excited?
How do you think the story would change if it happened in our town?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to think about the qualities that make a good friend as they reflect on the relationships in 'The Girls of Friar's Rise'. Ask them how they can apply these characteristics in their own friendships. Use examples from the book to discuss overcoming obstacles and resilience, relating them to personal experiences your child may have faced. Let your child be creative by imagining themselves as a part of the story, which can enhance their connection to the characters and themes. Highlight the emotional highs and lows in the book to help your child express their feelings about different events.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Empathy and Understanding
Explanation: The story showcases the strong bonds and varying perspectives among the girls, teaching readers about empathy and how to appreciate other people's feelings and viewpoints.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by learning to listen actively and empathetically to their peers, fostering a more inclusive and understanding environment at school and home.
Example Lesson: Resilience in the Face of Challenges
Explanation: As the girls encounter and overcome various hurdles at Friar's Rise, readers learn about resilience and the importance of perseverance when faced with difficulties.
Real-World Application: This can encourage children to not give up during challenging tasks or situations in school or in their personal lives, promoting a 'can-do' attitude.
Example Lesson: Importance of Teamwork
Explanation: Throughout the book, the girls must collaborate to achieve common goals, emphasizing the value of teamwork.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to participate effectively in group activities, understanding that collaboration can lead to achieving greater goals.
Example Lesson: Respect for Diversity
Explanation: The diverse cast of characters in 'The Girls of Friar's Rise' teaches children the importance of respecting and celebrating differences among people.
Real-World Application: This lesson can help children embrace diversity in their classrooms and communities, promoting harmony and mutual respect.
Example Lesson: Making Ethical Decisions
Explanation: The storyline presents scenarios where the characters must make tough choices, highlighting the importance of ethics and honesty.
Real-World Application: This prepares children to face moral dilemmas in their lives with integrity and honesty, shaping them into conscientious individuals.