Malhar in the Middle (hOle Books)
Classic books with holes Series
What’s inside...
Malhar has dreams of becoming a renowned tabla player, but he is puzzled by the tradition of tabla players being seated to one side of the stage during performances. He questions whether this positioning implies that tabla players are less important. Determined to challenge this norm, Malhar seeks answers and aspires to sit in the center of the stage.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
7-9
Length
80 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How did Malhar feel when he was in the middle of his two friends? Can you relate to his feelings?
What are some ways Malhar tried to solve his problem? What would you have done in his place?
Why do you think it's important to have a good understanding with friends?
How did the relationships change throughout the story? What does this teach us about friendship?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start by asking your child how they felt about the book and if anything particularly intrigued them.
Relate the situations in the book to your child’s personal experiences with friends or school.
Encourage your child to think about the different character's perspectives and why they might feel or act in certain ways.
Discuss the resolution of the book and ask your child about alternative ways the characters could have resolved their issues.
Use the discussion as an opportunity to teach valuable social skills like empathy, communication, and conflict resolution.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Understanding and Respecting Differences
Explanation: In 'Malhar in the Middle,' Malhar learns to appreciate the diverse backgrounds and characteristics of his classmates. This is demonstrated when he navigates his own feelings of being out of place and learns to see the uniqueness in everyone.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by embracing the variety of cultures, abilities, and interests of the people around them, promoting inclusivity and respect in their everyday interactions.
Example Lesson: The Importance of Communication
Explanation: Throughout the story, Malhar faces challenges that he overcomes by opening up and talking about his feelings. The narrative emphasizes how sharing thoughts can lead to solutions and understanding.
Real-World Application: This lesson can help children understand the value of expressing themselves and discussing their problems, which can lead to better relationship building and problem-solving skills.
Example Lesson: Adaptability and Resilience
Explanation: Malhar's journey in adapting to a new school environment teaches him resilience. Despite initial struggles, he learns to adjust and thrive in his new setting.
Real-World Application: Children learn that being adaptable and resilient are key traits when facing new and challenging situations, whether at school, in sports, or during family transitions.
Example Lesson: The Power of Friendship
Explanation: The story highlights how friendships can provide support and joy. Malhar’s interactions with his peers illustrate how friends can help one overcome feelings of loneliness and insecurity.
Real-World Application: This lesson encourages children to foster friendships and be supportive friends themselves, which can enrich their lives and provide emotional support during tough times.
Example Lesson: Self-Acceptance
Explanation: As Malhar navigates his internal and external conflicts, he eventually learns to accept himself for who he is, quirks and all. This self-acceptance is a crucial part of his development portrayed in the book.
Real-World Application: Teaching children to accept and love themselves can boost their confidence and self-esteem, helping them to face life with a positive outlook and to respect others.