The Taste of Home
What’s inside...
Sometimes, away from the place you know and love the most, you will find home. Each year, Mariama eagerly anticipates the festive December break to spend time with her family and friends in Freetown. However, this year her plans are unexpectedly disrupted when she discovers that her family has decided to go 'home' to visit their 'village' during the break instead of staying in the city. Will Mariama be happy about this unexpected change and learn to embrace another place as 'home'?
Age
0-8
Length
36 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think 'home' means to the characters in the story?
How do you feel when you taste something that reminds you of a special place or person?
Why do you think food and family traditions are important in bringing people together?
Can you describe a memory where a particular food brought back feelings of home or comfort?
If you could create a dish that represents 'home' for you, what ingredients would you use?
Tip: Role play these questions
Create a cozy reading space that mimics a 'home' feeling, using pillows or blankets.
Prepare a small snack that is mentioned in the book to make the reading session interactive and memorable.
Encourage the child to express their thoughts and feelings by asking follow-up questions to their responses.
Connect the story to your child’s personal experiences by discussing your family’s food traditions and memories.
Praise your child for their insights and contributions to the conversation to boost their confidence and engagement.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of cultural heritage
Explanation: In 'The Taste of Home', the protagonist explores her family's culinary traditions, which symbolize their cultural identity.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to appreciate and embrace their family traditions and understand the rich heritage that shapes who they are.
Example Lesson: Empathy and understanding
Explanation: The story portrays how the protagonist learns to appreciate the struggles and stories of her ancestors through traditional dishes.
Real-World Application: This can encourage children to listen to and empathize with the experiences of others, fostering a more inclusive attitude.
Example Lesson: Sharing and generosity
Explanation: The book highlights moments where the protagonist shares her cultural meals with friends, spreading joy and culture.
Real-World Application: Children can learn the value of sharing aspects of their culture or possessions with others to build friendships and communal harmony.
Example Lesson: Learning new skills
Explanation: As the young girl learns to prepare traditional dishes, she acquires cooking skills and gains confidence.
Real-World Application: This can motivate children to learn new skills, whether in cooking or other activities, enhancing their self-esteem and capabilities.
Example Lesson: Family bonds
Explanation: Cooking family recipes strengthens the bond between the protagonist and her family members.
Real-World Application: Children can engage in family activities, such as cooking, to strengthen relationships and create cherished memories.