Whispers of the Savannah
on Goodreads (8,514)
What’s inside...
A debut YA novel-in-verse about Moth, a girl who has lost her family in an accident and feels alone and uprooted. As she lives with her aunt, Moth meets Sani, a boy grappling with depression and searching for his roots. The two embark on a road trip, chasing ghosts and searching for ancestors, discovering their heritage and finding solace in each other. Their journey is both surprising and powerful, exploring themes of identity, first love, and the impact of memories and heritage. This heartfelt novel is a finalist for the 2021 National Book Award for Young People's Literature.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
12-17
Length
256 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What feelings did you experience while reading about the adventures on the savannah?
Which animal character did you find the most interesting, and why?
How do you think the animals felt about their environment changing?
Can you think of a time when you helped someone, just like the characters in the book?
What would you do if you were in the savannah with these animals?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to imagine themselves in the vast landscape of the savannah by asking them to describe what they see, hear, and feel. Utilize the vivid descriptions in the book to foster a deeper understanding and connection. Acknowledge and validate your child’s feelings and thoughts as they express them, which reinforces their confidence in sharing. Relate the book’s themes to your child’s experiences to make it more relatable and impactful. Finally, express enthusiasm for the topics your child brings up, which will encourage them to engage more deeply and thoughtfully.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Empathy and Understanding
Explanation: In 'Whispers of the Savannah', the protagonist, Maya, learns to understand the feelings and struggles of the animals in the savannah, encouraging a deeper connection and empathy towards them.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by recognizing and respecting the emotions and experiences of others in their daily interactions, fostering a more empathetic community.
Example Lesson: Importance of Teamwork
Explanation: Throughout the story, Maya collaborates with different creatures to solve problems, highlighting the success achieved through working together.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the value of cooperating with peers or family members in school projects or household tasks, enhancing social skills and collective problem solving.
Example Lesson: Respecting Nature
Explanation: Maya's journey in the savannah teaches her to respect and protect natural environments, showcasing the role every individual plays in environmental conservation.
Real-World Application: Children learn to take responsibility for their environment by engaging in activities like recycling, conserving water, or planting trees.
Example Lesson: Courage to Face Fears
Explanation: The character faces numerous challenges in the wild savannah, learning to overcome fears and demonstrating bravery.
Real-World Application: This lesson encourages children to face their own fears, whether speaking in public, trying new activities, or standing up for themselves.
Example Lesson: Problem Solving
Explanation: Maya encounters various obstacles and learns to think critically and creatively to navigate through them.
Real-World Application: Children can be inspired to apply critical thinking and creative solutions to overcome challenges at school and in personal life.