Fagin's Girl
What’s inside...
Orphan Ettie Shaw is penniless and homeless on the streets of London when she is spotted by her older brother Joe. Joe has fallen in with a notorious pickpocket gang run by a man called Fagin, and Ettie has to disguise herself as a boy so she can come back with him to Fagin's lair. At first, Ettie struggles to fit in with the gang, but she soon finds herself drawn into their world of crime and adventure. Fagin's infamous gang comes to life once again in this exciting Oliver Twist-inspired adventure from bestselling author Karen McCombie.
Age
9-12
Length
88 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Lottie
Oliver Twist
Fagin
Discussion points
What do you think life was like for Fagin's girl in the story? How do you think she felt?
What lessons do you think Fagin's girl learned throughout her journey?
How did the relationships between the characters change from the beginning to the end of the book?
What would you have done differently if you were in Fagin's girl's shoes?
Why do you think the author chose to tell this story from Fagin's girl's perspective?
Tip: Role play these questions
Before starting each chapter, ask your child to predict what might happen next, enhancing their anticipation and engagement.
Encourage your child to express which characters they relate to the most and why, deepening their connection to the story.
Discuss the moral dilemmas encountered by Fagin's girl, which can lead to meaningful conversations about ethics and choices.
After finishing the book, consider watching a related movie or play to further visualize the period and spark more discussions about the differences and similarities.
Encourage your child to draw a scene or write a short journal entry from Fagin's girl's perspective to foster creativity and empathy.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Empathy and Understanding
Explanation: In 'Fagin's Girl,' the protagonist's encounters and interactions with diverse characters cultivate a deep sense of understanding and empathy.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to appreciate the feelings of others around them, improving their social interactions and friendships.
Example Lesson: Resilience in Adversity
Explanation: The protagonist faces various challenges but her resilience shines as she navigates through tough times, demonstrating that perseverance is key.
Real-World Application: This teaches children to remain strong during difficult times and to view challenges as opportunities for growth.
Example Lesson: Importance of Decision Making
Explanation: Throughout the story, the protagonist makes several crucial decisions affecting her life's path, illustrating the consequences of one’s actions.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to think critically about the choices they make and consider their potential impact on their own lives and others.
Example Lesson: Value of Education
Explanation: The story portrays education as a transformative tool, empowering the protagonist to improve her circumstances.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to value and pursue learning, understanding that education can open doors to better opportunities.
Example Lesson: Building Trust and Honesty
Explanation: The protagonist's journey highlights the importance of being honest and building trust with others.
Real-World Application: Teaches children the value of honesty and integrity in forming strong, dependable relationships.