Escape from Java and other Tales of Danger
on Goodreads (105)
What’s inside...
A collection of short stories by author Ruskin Bond depicting tales of danger and adventure experienced by various characters. Intrepid heroes and dauntless heroines face survival challenges against natural disasters and violent conflicts. Five gripping stories include Romi's escape from a forest fire, Ruth's escape from rioting sepoys during the 1857 uprising, the author's flight from Java during a bombing, the impact of a deadly earthquake in Shillong, and Sita's battle against a flood. Written with humor and excitement, these stories are unputdownable.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
7-14
Length
172 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think are the main challenges the characters faced in 'Escape from Java and other Tales of Danger'? How would you have reacted in those situations?
How do the different settings in the stories contribute to the sense of adventure?
Which character did you feel you were most like and why?
What lessons do you think the characters learned through their adventures?
How did the outcomes of the stories change the characters or influence their choices?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child’s imagination by asking them to invent an alternative ending to their favorite story in the book.
Practice active listening by reflecting on your child’s responses and asking follow-up questions to delve deeper into their thoughts.
Link the stories to real-life scenarios by discussing times when your child faced something challenging and how they handled it.
Identify and discuss the moral values in the stories, asking your child how they can apply these values in their daily life.
Create a family reading time routine that includes discussing a chapter or a story from the book each session. This promotes literacy and bonds the family together.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Courage in the face of danger
Explanation: The protagonist in 'Escape from Java' demonstrates bravery when confronted with perilous situations, showing that courage can lead to overcoming hardships.
Real-World Application: Children learn to face everyday fears and challenges with bravery, whether it's standing up to a bully, trying out for a sports team, or speaking in front of a class.
Example Lesson: Resilience through adversity
Explanation: Characters in these tales often face difficult circumstances but their determination to endure and not give up is a recurring theme.
Real-World Application: This can inspire children to persist despite setbacks in their studies, personal projects, or in learning new skills.
Example Lesson: Importance of quick thinking
Explanation: The stories highlight how characters must think quickly and creatively to navigate dangers, emphasizing the value of presence of mind.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this by developing problem-solving skills in their daily life, from resolving conflicts with peers to handling unexpected situations at school.
Example Lesson: Empathy for others
Explanation: In dealing with diverse characters from different backgrounds, the stories teach understanding and compassion towards others' situations and feelings.
Real-World Application: This lesson is vital in fostering a sense of community and cooperation among classmates, friends, and family.
Example Lesson: Value of teamwork
Explanation: Several times throughout the stories, characters must collaborate to overcome a challenge, underscoring the effectiveness of working together.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to appreciate and seek collaborative efforts in group projects, sports, and other cooperative activities.