Piggy in the Middle
on Goodreads (37)
What’s inside...
In 'Piggy in the Middle' by Catherine Jinks, Dallas finds themselves caught in a complex situation akin to the childhood game of the same name. The story unfolds as she navigates through a series of challenges involving the mysterious deaths of the feral pigs she hunts for a living. Along the way, Dallas encounters Felix, a teenaged prodigy working in the gene-sequencing labs, and Ron, who cleans the animal pens, and must make difficult decisions that test her morality and sense of justice. Set in the intriguing and secretive environment of Agricultural and Biomedical Research Industries (ABR), the novel explores themes of corporate ethics, environmental impact, and personal integrity, and keeps readers engaged with its intricate plotting and character development. Ultimately, 'Piggy in the Middle' is a story about uncovering the truth and standing up for what is right.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
7-10
Length
192 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How do you think Piggy felt when he was stuck in the middle? Can you think of a time when you felt the same way?
What are some ways Piggy tried to solve his problem? What would you have done in his situation?
Why do you think the other characters acted the way they did? How could they have helped Piggy?
What does this story teach us about working together and understanding others' feelings?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their feelings about the story, relating it to their own experiences of feeling left out or stuck in the middle.
Discuss the importance of empathy and understanding. Ask your child how they think each character felt and why.
Highlight the problem-solving aspects of the story. Guide your child to think about different ways they can deal with similar situations.
Use the characters' experiences in the book as a starting point to teach your child about cooperation and teamwork in their daily life.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Sharing and Cooperation
Explanation: In 'Piggy in the Middle', the protagonist learns the importance of sharing toys and space with others, embracing cooperation over competition.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by learning to share their belongings and work together with siblings and peers, fostering a collaborative environment at home and school.
Example Lesson: Problem Solving
Explanation: The story showcases the protagonist faced with the challenge of being left out and finding constructive ways to join in the play.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to think critically and find solutions when facing exclusion or difficulties in social settings.
Example Lesson: Empathy and Understanding
Explanation: As the protagonist learns to see things from others' perspectives, it highlights the value of empathy.
Real-World Application: Children can use this lesson to better understand their friends' feelings and viewpoints, improving their interpersonal relationships and emotional intelligence.