Yassmin's Story
Layla Series
What’s inside...
Layla is excited to spend her summer holidays with her friends and working on a Grand Designs Tourismo invention. However, her plans are disrupted when her grandmother in Sudan falls ill and her family rushes to be with her. In Sudan, Layla struggles with her dual Sudanese and Australian identities and the political tensions in Sudan. As tensions rise between Layla and her family, she must decide whether to go against her parents' wishes to keep her place in the invention team. 'Listen, Layla' by Yassmin Abdel-Magied is a powerful, funny, and timely novel that explores the diaspora experience, race, politics, and identity.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
11-12
Length
304 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How do Yassmin's experiences in different countries help her understand the world?
What are some challenges Yassmin faces and how does she overcome them?
Why is it important to have respect and understanding for different cultures?
How does Yassmin's passion for engineering show in the story?
What did you learn from Yassmin's journey that you can apply in your own life?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use a world map to locate the countries Yassmin visits to provide a visual context to her experiences.
Discuss the concept of resilience by relating it to personal challenges and how to overcome them.
Encourage your child to share instances where they learned about or interacted with different cultures.
Explore the importance of following one's passion and dreams through guided questions about Yassmin's dedication to engineering.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Empathy and Understanding
Explanation: Yassmin's Story portrays the life of a young Muslim girl growing up in Australia, facing and overcoming prejudices and cultural misunderstandings. Through Yassmin’s interactions and personal reflections, readers are shown the importance of empathy.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this by learning to appreciate and respect differences among their peers, fostering an inclusive environment at school and in playgroups.
Example Lesson: Resilience in the face of adversity
Explanation: The book highlights Yassmin’s struggles with societal expectations and stereotypes, demonstrating her strength and resilience in overcoming these challenges.
Real-World Application: This teaches children to persevere through their own challenges, whether it's difficulty in school subjects, sports, or social situations.
Example Lesson: Importance of self-identity
Explanation: Yassmin’s journey includes her exploration and affirmation of her identity, which is crucial in her story of self-acceptance and success.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to explore and take pride in their own identities, which is vital for their self-esteem and personal growth.
Example Lesson: Value of hard work and education
Explanation: The narrative emphasizes Yassmin’s dedication to her studies and her pursuit of engineering, highlighting the doors that education can open.
Real-World Application: This lesson can motivate children to dedicate themselves to their studies and understand the long-term benefits of education.
Example Lesson: Cultural awareness and appreciation
Explanation: Through Yassmin’s experiences, readers gain insights into different cultural practices and the richness they bring to society.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to learn more about other cultures, promoting cultural sensitivity and global awareness.