My Sister Lives on the Mantelpiece
on Goodreads (16,265)
What’s inside...
Ten-year-old Jamie hasn't cried since it happened. He knows he should have—Jasmine cried, Mum cried, Dad still cries. Roger didn't, but then he is just a cat and didn't know Rose that well, really. Everyone kept saying it would get better with time, but that's just one of those lies that grown-ups tell in awkward situations. Five years on, it's worse than ever: Dad drinks, Mum's gone and Jamie's left with questions that he must answer for himself. This is his story, an unflinchingly real yet heart-warming account of a young boy's struggle to make sense of the loss that tore his family apart.
Age
12-18
Length
123 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Jamie Matthews
Sunya
Jas Matthews
Dad
Jasmine Matthews
Discussion points
How do you think Jamie felt when his family was going through changes, and how would you feel in his situation?
The book talks about themes like loss, friendship, and acceptance. Which part of the story touched you the most and why?
How do the characters in the story show bravery or kindness? Can you think of a time when you acted similarly?
Why is it important to have friends who understand and support us during tough times?
What did you learn from the book about handling difficult emotions or situations?
Tip: Role play these questions
Begin by sharing your own feelings and thoughts about the book’s themes to create an open environment for discussion.
Encourage your child to relate experiences from the book to their own lives, fostering a deeper personal connection to the story.
Pose additional questions based on your child’s responses to keep the conversation flowing and engage in active listening.
Highlight moments in the story where characters overcome adversity, pointing out positive behavior and resilience.
Allow for pauses in the conversation where your child can reflect on their thoughts, ensuring they don't feel rushed.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Empathy and understanding
Explanation: The protagonist, Jamie, learns to empathize with his sister, Jasmine, despite their different ways of coping with grief after their sister's death.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by learning to understand and accept different emotional responses among their peers and family members.
Example Lesson: The impact of grief
Explanation: The book explores the various ways family members deal with grief, highlighting that there is no right or wrong way to grieve.
Real-World Application: This can help children understand and process their own feelings of loss or change, knowing that their reactions are valid.
Example Lesson: The value of friendship
Explanation: Jamie's friendship with Sunya demonstrates the importance of support and companionship, especially during challenging times.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of building and maintaining friendships that provide mutual support and understanding.
Example Lesson: Resilience in the face of adversity
Explanation: Throughout the story, Jamie showcases resilience by adapting to new environments and overcoming personal challenges.
Real-World Application: This lesson can encourage children to face difficulties with courage and to seek positive outcomes, despite obstacles.