A Pocketful of Stars
on Goodreads (1,114)
What’s inside...
Safiya and her mother have never seen eye to eye. Her mother doesn't understand Safiya's love of gaming, and shy Safiya doesn't think she has anything in common with her vibrant, sometimes volatile mother. But when her mother falls into a coma, Safiya's whole world shifts. She finds herself dreaming about an unfamiliar setting and a rebellious girl who's distinctly familiar. Gradually she realizes that she's experiencing her mother’s memories of her childhood in Kuwait. As Safiya unlocks these memories the way she would unlock levels in a game, she finds a path to accepting loss and embracing who she is—someone not so different from her mother after all.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
10-14
Length
256 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How do you think Safiya felt when she discovered the magical world connected to her mother's past?
What did you learn about the importance of family and memories from Safiya's journey?
If you could create a magical world like Safiya, what would it look like and why?
How did Safiya's relationship with her mother change throughout the story?
What does the title 'A Pocketful of Stars' mean to you after reading this book?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their feelings about the characters' experiences, reinforcing empathy and understanding.
Discuss the cultural elements in the book. Ask your child what they found interesting or different from their own experiences.
Connect the story to your child's life by asking if they have ever felt similar emotions to those of Safiya and how they handled it.
Highlight the importance of family and history. Share some family memories and ask your child if they remember or feel connected to any of them.
Use the book’s themes as a springboard to discuss the value of imaginative play and ask your child to describe or draw their own 'pocketful of stars.'
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Empathy and Understanding
Explanation: In 'A Pocketful of Stars', the main character, Safiya, embarks on a journey that helps her understand her mother’s past and struggles, fostering empathy and compassion.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to appreciate and understand diverse perspectives and backgrounds, enhancing their interpersonal relationships and emotional intelligence.
Example Lesson: The Importance of Family Connections
Explanation: Through her adventures, Safiya learns the significance of familial bonds and the strength they provide, especially during challenging times.
Real-World Application: This lesson can encourage children to value and nurture their relationships with family members, understanding the vital support system they offer.
Example Lesson: Coping with Change
Explanation: The story portrays Safiya dealing with her mother’s illness, which teaches her to adapt to unexpected changes and find strength in adversity.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this understanding in their lives by developing resilience and adaptability when faced with new or challenging situations.
Example Lesson: Power of Imagination
Explanation: Safiya uses her love for video games and imagination to navigate her challenges, highlighting the power of creativity as a coping mechanism.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to use their creativity and imagination as tools for problem-solving and emotional expression.
Example Lesson: Courage to Face Fears
Explanation: As Safiya confronts the reality of her mother’s condition, she learns to overcome her fears, demonstrating bravery and maturity.
Real-World Application: This lesson can inspire children to face their own fears and challenges with courage, promoting personal growth and confidence.