Grandfathers Dream: Level G (Into English)
on Goodreads (55)
What’s inside...
In 'Grandfather's Dream' by Holly Keller, we follow the story of a young boy and his grandfather who live in Vietnam after the war. The grandfather has a dream of seeing the cranes return to the village, as they once did before the war disrupted their habitat. The boy, who has never seen the cranes, shares his grandfather's dream and hopes to witness their return. The villagers, however, are skeptical and have their own ideas about the best use of the land, which includes plans for development that could further threaten the cranes' habitat. Despite the odds, the grandfather remains hopeful and works to restore the wetlands. His dedication and conservation efforts eventually lead to the return of the cranes, fulfilling his dream and teaching the boy a valuable lesson about perseverance and the importance of living in harmony with nature.
Age
9-12
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Nam
Nam'S Mother
Discussion points
What do you think Grandfather dreams about for his village, and why is it important to him?
How did Hoa feel when the village was in danger and what would you feel in his situation?
What does the bamboo tree symbolize in the story, and how do its changes reflect the events in the village?
Can you think of a time when you helped someone like Hoa helped his grandfather? What did you do?
How do you think the villagers felt at the end of the story? Why is it important to work together for a common goal?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start the conversation with your child by asking them to summarize the story in their own words. This provides insight into their understanding and interpretation.
Encourage your child to express their feelings about the characters’ decisions and actions, promoting empathy and emotional intelligence.
Discuss the cultural aspects presented in the book. Enhance understanding by comparing them to your own cultural experiences.
Highlight the concept of teamwork and community support demonstrated in the book. Relate it to real-life scenarios where working together is beneficial.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Value of Perseverance
Explanation: The story shows the grandfather's ongoing effort to restore a pond ecosystem despite challenges, teaching children the importance of persevering even when tasks are difficult.
Real-World Application: Children learn to continue working towards their own goals, such as learning a new skill or improving in a sport, despite obstacles they might face along the way.
Example Lesson: Respect for Nature
Explanation: Grandfather cares deeply about the local environment and works to preserve it, demonstrating to children how crucial it is to respect and protect nature.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by engaging in activities like recycling, conserving water, or participating in local clean-up days to help preserve their own environment.
Example Lesson: Importance of Hope
Explanation: Throughout the book, the grandfather remains hopeful about the pond’s recovery, showcasing the power of hope in achieving positive outcomes.
Real-World Application: This teaches children to stay hopeful in their personal endeavors or while interacting with others, nurturing a positive outlook that can lead to better resilience.
Example Lesson: Intergenerational Bonding
Explanation: The strong relationship between the child and the grandfather in the story highlights the value of family bonds and learning from older generations.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to spend time with older family members, learning from their experiences and stories, and building stronger family connections.
Example Lesson: Community Involvement
Explanation: The restoration of the pond ultimately involves the whole community, illustrating the impact of collective efforts.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of community engagement and see how working together can help achieve common goals, such as improving local parks or participating in community service.