A Poor Man's Spirit
What’s inside...
The book follows the journey of a young man from humble beginnings who discovers an ancient spirit within him. As he learns to harness the spirit's power, he embarks on an adventure that challenges his beliefs and his understanding of the world. In a separate story, an old man named Timothy with a broken spirit finds transformation through the persistent invitations of Martha, who encourages him to come to church. This faith-based children's book, illustrated by Abelardo Fonseca, emphasizes the Christian message that 'God wants you to Come as You Are,' and aims to build good faith foundations in children.
Age
0-12
Length
40 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think the phrase 'a poor man's spirit' might mean?
How do the struggles of the characters in the story make you feel?
Why do you think kindness is important, as shown in the book?
What would you do if you were in the main character's situation?
How do you think the story could end differently and why?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start the conversation by sharing your own feelings about the book to encourage open dialogue.
Use illustrations in the book to point out emotions or actions of characters, helping children understand complex feelings.
Encourage empathy by asking your child to consider how different characters might be feeling at various points in the story.
Follow up their answers with questions like 'why do you think that?' to deepen critical thinking.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Value of resilience
Explanation: The protagonist faces numerous obstacles but continues to persevere through hardships, demonstrating the power of resilience.
Real-World Application: Children learn to face challenges without giving up, encouraging a resilient mindset in school and social situations.
Example Lesson: Importance of kindness
Explanation: Throughout the book, acts of kindness by various characters play a crucial role in shaping the protagonist's journey, showcasing how small acts of kindness can make a big difference.
Real-World Application: Children can practice kindness daily by helping a friend, sharing toys, or supporting family members, fostering a positive and supportive environment.
Example Lesson: Significance of humility
Explanation: The protagonist learns the value of humility, realizing that despite his hardships, he can learn from others and grow.
Real-World Application: Encourage children to stay humble about their achievements and be open to learning from their peers and adults.
Example Lesson: Strength of community support
Explanation: The book highlights how the support from the community helps the protagonist in his toughest times, underlying the importance of a supportive social circle.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to appreciate their community, be it family, school, or neighborhood, and actively participate in communal activities.