Gangsta Granny
#1 of 2 in Gangsta Granny Series
on Goodreads (28,601)
What’s inside...
Another hilarious and moving novel from David Walliams, number one bestseller and fastest growing children's author in the country. A story of prejudice and acceptance, funny lists and silly words, this new book has all the hallmarks of David’s previous bestsellers. Our hero Ben is bored beyond belief after he is made to stay at his grandma's house. She's the boringest grandma ever: all she wants to do is to play Scrabble and eat cabbage soup. But there are two things Ben doesn't know about his grandma: 1) She was once an international jewel thief. 2) All her life, she has been plotting to steal the Crown Jewels, and now she needs Ben's help.
Discussion points
What do you think makes Granny and Ben's relationship special?
How did your feelings about Granny change from the beginning to the end of the story?
What would you do if you discovered a secret about a family member like Ben did?
Why do you think Granny chose to share her secret with Ben?
How do you think the story would be different if Granny was not a 'gangsta'?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their thoughts about the characters' emotions and decisions, helping them connect with the characters on a deeper level.
Discuss the concept of stereotypes with your child, like how Granny defies the typical 'old person' stereotype, to promote critical thinking.
Relate the adventurous aspects of the book to your child's experiences, asking if they've ever felt a thrilling sense of adventure.
Use the relationship between Ben and his granny to talk about your child’s relationships with their own grandparents or elderly family members.
After reading, enact a fun scene from the book together. This not only makes the reading experience memorable but also deepens their understanding of the narrative.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Empathy and Understanding
Explanation: In 'Gangsta Granny,' the protagonist Ben learns to see his grandmother not just as an old lady, but as a person with a rich history and exciting stories. This shift occurs as he discovers her secret life as a jewel thief.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by learning to appreciate and listen to the stories of older family members or friends, understanding that everyone has a unique background and life experience.
Example Lesson: The Importance of Family Bonds
Explanation: Throughout the book, the bond between Ben and his granny strengthens as they embark on an adventurous heist together. This adventure brings them closer, showing the joy and value of family relationships.
Real-World Application: Kids can be encouraged to spend quality time with family members, engaging in activities that both can enjoy, which helps in strengthening their relationships.
Example Lesson: Breaking Stereotypes
Explanation: Granny in the story defies the typical stereotype of the elderly as weak or boring. Her dynamic character as a gangsta shows that people cannot be judged solely by their age or appearance.
Real-World Application: Children learn not to judge others based on superficial attributes like age or looks, promoting a more inclusive and diverse perspective.
Example Lesson: Adventure and Imagination
Explanation: The book encourages adventure and the use of imagination through the thrilling plot of a jewel heist. Ben’s adventures with his granny allow him to use his imagination extensively, stimulating his creative skills.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to engage in creative play and storytelling, enhancing their imaginative abilities and problem-solving skills in real-life scenarios.
Example Lesson: Dealing with Disappointment
Explanation: As the story unfolds, Ben deals with the disappointment of the heist not going as planned. This teaches resilience and the ability to cope with unforeseen outcomes.
Real-World Application: Helps children understand that not all plans may succeed, and teaches them to cope with disappointment and to adapt flexibly to situations.