Bread and Sugar
#2 in Daisy Chain War Series
on Goodreads (113)
What’s inside...
Bread and Sugar by Joan O'Neill is a heartfelt drama set in a small town, centered around the life and challenges faced by a young girl named Annie. The story follows Annie as she navigates the complexities of family, poverty, and personal growth. Throughout the book, themes such as resilience, the impact of socioeconomic status, and the power of community are explored, culminating in a poignant resolution that underscores the strength of the human spirit.
Discussion points
How do you think the main character felt when they shared their bread and sugar with their friend?
What would you have done if you were in the main character's shoes?
Why is it important to share with others?
Can you think of a time when you shared something with someone? How did it make you feel?
What are some ways we can help our friends or people in our community?
Tip: Role play these questions
Begin the conversation by summarizing the story with your child to ensure understanding of the plot and main themes.
Encourage your child to express their thoughts and feelings about the story, validating their responses to build their confidence.
Relate the themes of sharing and friendship in the book to your child's personal experiences to make the discussion more relevant.
Ask follow-up questions based on your child's responses to encourage deeper thinking and connection with the story.
End the conversation by asking your child how they might act similarly to the main character in their own life, reinforcing the book’s positive messages.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The value of sharing
Explanation: In 'Bread and Sugar', the protagonist shares her lunch with a friend who forgot theirs, demonstrating kindness and generosity.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to practice sharing with their peers at school or during playtime, fostering a sense of community and friendship.
Example Lesson: Understanding consequences
Explanation: The story illustrates how the characters face consequences for their actions, such as when a character lies about a stolen cookie and is later found out.
Real-World Application: This helps children grasp the importance of honesty and the repercussions of dishonesty, guiding them to make truthful choices.
Example Lesson: Empathy and compassion
Explanation: Joan O'Neill's characters often express feelings of empathy towards each other, like feeling sad for a friend who scraped a knee.
Real-World Application: Children learn to recognize emotions in others and respond with compassion, which is crucial for building strong interpersonal relationships.
Example Lesson: Problem-solving skills
Explanation: When faced with a challenge, such as how to reach a high shelf, the characters collaborate and think creatively to find a solution.
Real-World Application: This promotes critical thinking and teamwork among children, encouraging them to work together to overcome obstacles in their daily activities.
Example Lesson: Appreciation of simple joys
Explanation: The book highlights moments of joy in everyday situations, like enjoying a sunny day or relishing a sweet treat.
Real-World Application: Teaches children to find happiness in small, everyday occurrences, enhancing their overall appreciation for life and fostering positive mental health.