Dara Palmer's Major Drama
on Goodreads (396)
What’s inside...
Eleven-year-old Dara is a born actress, or so she thinks, but when she doesn't get any role at all in the school production, she begins to think it may be because she doesn't look like the other girls in her class. She was adopted as a baby from Cambodia. So irrepressible Dara comes up with a plan and is determined to change not just the school, but the world too. A beautifully written, warm and funny tale for girls aged 8-12, from the critically acclaimed author of Dream On, Amber.
Age
8-12
Length
304 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Dara Palmer
Ms. Snelling
Georgie Palmer
Discussion points
How did Dara's journey to achieve her dream of acting inspire you?
What lessons did you learn about perseverance and self-acceptance from Dara’s experiences?
How do you think Dara felt when she faced challenges and how would you feel in a similar situation?
Why is it important to recognize and celebrate our differences, like Dara learns to do?
What are some ways you can support your friends' dreams like Dara’s friends supported hers?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their thoughts and feelings about the book, validating their perspectives to foster a deeper understanding. Relate the themes of the book to your child’s personal experiences to make the discussion more relevant and engaging. Highlight the importance of empathy and understanding diversity through Dara’s experiences, discussing how these values are important in real life. Ask your child to think about their own dreams and ambitions, and discuss steps they can take to pursue them, just like Dara does.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Empathy and Understanding
Explanation: Dara Palmer's Major Drama vividly portrays Dara's journey to understand her classmates and family better as she navigates her dream of becoming an actress.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by actively listening and trying to understand diverse perspectives among their peers and family members, fostering a caring and inclusive environment.
Example Lesson: Perseverance and Resilience
Explanation: Throughout the book, Dara faces multiple setbacks in achieving her acting dreams but continues to persevere, showing resilience in the face of rejection.
Real-World Application: This lesson can help children understand the value of not giving up in the face of challenges, whether it be in academics, sports, or personal goals.
Example Lesson: Self-awareness and Personal Growth
Explanation: Dara learns about her talents and weaknesses throughout the story, which helps her grow personally and improve her acting skills.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to evaluate their strengths and areas for improvement, leading to personal development and better self-esteem.
Example Lesson: Appreciating Diversity
Explanation: The book highlights Dara's background as a Cambodian adopted by a British family, addressing themes of cultural identity and diversity.
Real-World Application: This lesson encourages children to celebrate and respect cultural differences, promoting harmony and understanding in diverse settings.