A Sky-Blue Bench
What’s inside...
In 'A Sky-Blue Bench,' Afghan schoolgirl Aria returns to school after an accident, facing discomfort with her new prosthetic leg. Determined to improve her situation, she decides to build a bench with the help of a local carpenter, Kaka Najar. The story, set in Afghanistan, highlights the resilience and challenges faced by young children, especially girls, in accessing education. The book by Bahram Rahman, complemented by illustrations from Peggy Collins, also touches on the broader issues of landmines in Afghanistan through an author's note, making it an educational and inspiring read for children.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
4-7
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How did Aria’s new bench help her feel more included at school?
What changes do you think Aria and her friends might experience next?
Why do you think it was important for Aria to have a bench that she could use?
How do you feel when you help someone, and how do you think Aria felt helping her classmates?
What would you have done if you were in Aria's place?
Tip: Role play these questions
Before reading, ask your child what they know about inclusivity and why it’s important.
Encourage your child to describe the characters and setting based on the illustrations to enhance their understanding and imagination.
After reading a significant event in the story, pause and ask your child how they feel about what happened and what they might have done differently.
Discuss the emotions Aria might have felt throughout the book, and ask your child to relate by sharing similar feelings they may have experienced.
Post reading, have your child think of ways they can make their school or community more inclusive, similar to Aria's actions.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Resilience and perseverance
Explanation: The protagonist, Aria, despite her disability, creatively overcomes challenges to attend school and aspires to learn to read and write.
Real-World Application: Children can learn the importance of overcoming obstacles and not giving up on their goals, no matter the difficulties they face.
Example Lesson: Empathy and kindness
Explanation: The story portrays classmates and a teacher who help Aria feel welcomed and accommodated in her school environment.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to be considerate and supportive of peers who may have different needs or challenges.
Example Lesson: Innovation and problem-solving
Explanation: Aria, with the help of her teacher, innovates a solution to make her school experience better by building a bench that suits her needs.
Real-World Application: Children learn the significance of thinking creatively to solve problems and improve situations.
Example Lesson: Importance of education
Explanation: Despite her physical limitations and the initial lack of proper accommodations at school, Aria’s determination to learn highlights the value of education.
Real-World Application: It instills in children the value of education and encourages them to pursue learning with enthusiasm and dedication.