New Windmills: Rice Without Rain (New Windmills)
New Windmills KS3 Series
on Goodreads (495)
What’s inside...
One of a series of top-quality fiction for schools, this is a story of love, death, oppression and rebellion in Thailand. It represents an exploration of the contrast between rural and urban life, and of the conflicts between love, family loyalty and political demands. Another dry season -- another silent harvest! In this searing, all-too-possible novel set in rural Thailand, a sensitive young woman quietly and heroically survives a harsh political awakening.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
12-13
Length
183 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Jinda
Niran
Pa
Kamnan
Discussion points
How did the struggles of the village affect the main characters and their relationships?
What emotions did you feel when learning about the challenges the villagers faced?
Which character do you relate to the most and why?
What do you think are the most important messages the author is trying to convey?
How do you think the story would change if it was set in today's world?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to think about how they would feel in the characters’ situations, fostering empathy and understanding.
Discuss the cultural aspects of the book to broaden your child’s worldview and appreciation for diversity.
Use examples from the book to talk about the importance of community and collaboration in overcoming challenges.
Highlight the resilience of the characters and ask your child about times when they had to be resilient.
Relate the book's themes to current events or your child’s experiences to make the discussion more relevant and engaging.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Resilience in adversity
Explanation: The characters in 'Rice Without Rain' face challenging circumstances like political turmoil and economic hardship, showing resilience as they navigate these issues.
Real-World Application: This theme can help children understand the importance of perseverance and determination, encouraging them to remain strong and optimistic even when facing tough times.
Example Lesson: Empathy and understanding
Explanation: The book delves into the lives of people from different backgrounds, helping readers to see the world from various perspectives and understand the struggles of others.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to be more compassionate and empathetic, aiding their ability to relate to peers from diverse backgrounds and cultures.
Example Lesson: Importance of community
Explanation: As the story unfolds, the importance of community support and collective action is highlighted, showing how people come together to face challenges.
Real-World Application: This can encourage children to value and contribute to their own communities, enhancing social bonds and collaborative efforts.