Keeping Mum
#1 in Go For It! Series
on Goodreads (16)
What’s inside...
One of a series of hard-hitting family drama titles tackling topics such as homelessness, divorce, and adoption. Another series of hard-hitting fiction titles, aimed at top junior and lower secondary readers, which may be useful in covering PSHE-related topics.
Discussion points
How do you think the main character felt when they had to keep a secret? Have you ever felt that way?
What do you think is the importance of trust between family members as portrayed in the story?
Can you think of a time when you helped someone and it made you feel good? Why do you think helping others feels nice?
What would you have done differently if you were in the main character’s place?
Why do you think the author chose the title 'Keeping Mum' for this story?
Tip: Role play these questions
While discussing the book, maintain a non-judgmental and open demeanor to encourage your child to share freely.
Relate the scenarios from the book to real-life situations in your child’s experiences to make the conversation more relatable.
Praise your child’s responses to reinforce their participation and thinking process, regardless of their answers.
Encourage your child to ask questions about the story and characters to develop their curiosity and understanding of the narrative.
Use the discussion as an opportunity to teach valuable life lessons wrapped in the narrative, such as honesty, empathy, and the importance of family.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Understanding and Expressing Emotions
Explanation: In 'Keeping Mum,' the story revolves around a child learning to navigate and express complex emotions about family issues. This is depicted through the protagonist's journey of understanding his mum's feelings and his own.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to recognize and communicate their feelings more effectively in real life, aiding in emotional development and empathy towards others.
Example Lesson: The Importance of Honesty
Explanation: The book highlights the importance of being honest, particularly in difficult situations, as the protagonist learns the consequences of hiding the truth from his parents.
Real-World Application: This lesson can help children understand that honesty is crucial in building trust and maintaining healthy relationships with family and friends.
Example Lesson: Resilience in Facing Challenges
Explanation: As the protagonist deals with his mother's illness, the narrative demonstrates how resilience can be cultivated in the face of personal challenges.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this understanding by developing coping strategies and resilience when dealing with their own challenges, whether they're academic, social, or personal.
Example Lesson: Empathy Towards Others
Explanation: Through interactions with his mum and observing her struggles, the protagonist learns to empathize with her situation and that of others who might be facing similar difficulties.
Real-World Application: This can encourage children to be more empathetic and considerate towards the feelings and situations of people around them in their everyday interactions.
Example Lesson: Value of Family Support
Explanation: The narrative shows that family support is crucial during tough times as depicted by how the protagonist and his family come together to support each other.
Real-World Application: Children can learn the importance of supporting family members and the strength that can be drawn from familial bonds during difficult times.