Girl on a Plane
on Goodreads (1,722)
What’s inside...
Jordan, 1970.
After a summer spent with her family, fifteen-year-old Anna is travelling back to her English boarding school alone. But her plane never makes it home.
Anna’s flight is hijacked by Palestinian guerillas. They land the plane in the Jordanian desert, switch off the engines and issue their demands. If these are not met within three days, they will blow up the plane, killing all the hostages.
The heat on board becomes unbearable; food and water supplies dwindle. Anna begins to face the possibility she may never see her family again.
Time is running out . . .
Based on true events, this is a story about ordinary people facing agonizing horror, of courage and resilience.
Age
0-14
Length
272 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Anna
Discussion points
How do you think Anna felt during her experience on the plane, and what would you have done in her situation?
What are some ways that Anna showed bravery throughout her ordeal?
The story is set in a different time period; how do you think communication differences then and now could have changed the course of events?
How did the relationships between the passengers evolve throughout the book, and what does this say about human nature under stress?
Why is it important to understand and learn about historical events like the one Anna experienced?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their feelings about the story by relating it to their own experiences of fear or anxiety, and discuss coping mechanisms.
Discuss the historical context of the story to give your child a better understanding of the world and the events that shape it.
Emphasize the importance of empathy by asking your child to consider the perspectives of various characters in the book, focusing on how they might have felt.
Use the book as an opportunity to discuss the importance of courage and resilience in difficult situations, asking your child for personal examples of when they've shown these traits.
Highlight the theme of solidarity and teamwork in overcoming challenges, inspiring discussions about cooperation in your child’s daily life.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Resilience in the face of adversity
Explanation: The protagonist, Anna, remains composed and strong during a hijacking ordeal, demonstrating inner strength and courage.
Real-World Application: Children can learn the importance of staying calm and resilient when facing challenging and unexpected situations in their own lives.
Example Lesson: Empathy and understanding
Explanation: Through her interactions with the hijackers and other passengers, Anna develops a deeper understanding of different perspectives and emotions.
Real-World Application: This story encourages children to consider other people's feelings and viewpoints, helping them develop empathy and social skills.
Example Lesson: The impact of historical events on individuals
Explanation: Set during a real historical event, the 1970 Dawson's Field hijackings, the book explores how such events affect individuals on a personal level.
Real-World Application: Children can learn about the significance of historical contexts and their effects on individual lives and choices, fostering an appreciation for history and its lessons.
Example Lesson: Courage to face fears
Explanation: Anna faces her fears head-on during the hijacking, showing bravery in a terrifying situation.
Real-World Application: This narrative can inspire children to confront their own fears and demonstrate bravery in both minor and major challenges.
Example Lesson: The importance of hope
Explanation: Despite the dire circumstances, Anna remains hopeful throughout her ordeal, which is crucial to her endurance and survival.
Real-World Application: Children can be encouraged to always hold onto hope, no matter how difficult the situation may seem, helping them to remain positive and resilient.