Children of the Benin Kingdom
on Goodreads (89)
What’s inside...
A Reading Agency Book of the Year 2020, this immersive adventure story follows Ada, who has lived close to the great rainforest all her life. She assists her Papa Eze in healing the villagers, but when he becomes ill, he reveals Ada's true heritage - a secret that has protected her from enemies. Ada must travel deep into the forest to discover the ancient Edo kingdom of Benin and harness her power to mend the rifts tearing the kingdom apart. Pursued by her enemies, Ada embarks on a journey that tests her strength to the limit, aided by her friends, ancestors, and her self-belief. The book also serves as a great resource for UK primary teachers at KS2 to diversify their curriculum about the Benin Kingdom and West African culture.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
6-12
Length
123 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How did the characters’ actions show the importance of courage and leadership?
What can we learn from the culture and traditions of the Benin Kingdom?
In what ways did the children in the story help their community?
How do you think the story would change if it happened in today's world?
What were your thoughts on the relationship between the characters and their environment?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to reflect on the courage and decisions of the characters, highlighting how these qualities can be applied in their own life.
Discuss the historical and cultural aspects of the Benin Kingdom, perhaps comparing them to your own cultural practices and histories.
Use the community interactions in the book as a starting point to discuss the importance of community involvement and teamwork.
Allow your child to express their ideas on how the story's setting and situations might look in modern times, fostering creativity and critical thinking.
Prompt discussions about the environmental aspect of the story, exploring the importance of respecting and protecting one’s surroundings.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of courage and resilience
Explanation: The story demonstrates courage through the character's perseverance in navigating challenging circumstances within the Benin Kingdom.
Real-World Application: Children learn to face difficulties with bravery and can apply this when dealing with challenges like schoolwork or making new friends.
Example Lesson: Understanding and appreciating cultural history
Explanation: The book educates about the rich history and traditions of the Benin Kingdom providing a deep dive into its culture.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to explore and respect their own heritage as well as those of others around them, fostering a more inclusive worldview.
Example Lesson: The value of community and teamwork
Explanation: Characters in the book often work together to solve problems, highlighting the benefits of teamwork.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by participating in group activities at school or in their community, learning the importance of collaboration.
Example Lesson: Respect for leadership and governance
Explanation: The story explores themes of governance in the Benin Kingdom, showing the roles and responsibilities of leaders.
Real-World Application: This teaches children to respect and understand the roles of different leaders in their environments, such as teachers and local government.