Quetta
on Goodreads (19)
What’s inside...
In 1890, a bizarre child custody case unfolded in court, centered around a young child who miraculously survived a tragic shipwreck. The British East India vessel, Quetta, struck rocks and sank in just three minutes, resulting in the deaths of 130 people. This historical event is vividly brought to life in a captivating picture book created by the award-winning duo, author Gary Crew and illustrator Bruce Whatley. The book delves into the shipwreck of the Quetta and the subsequent intense custody battle for the baby girl who survived. Recommended for ages 12 and older.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
4-12
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What feelings did you experience when reading about the journey in 'Quetta'? Why do you think you felt that way?
How did the characters react to the challenges they faced? What would you have done in their situation?
What do you think was the most important message of the book? How can we apply this message in our daily lives?
Can you think of a time when you had to overcome a difficult situation? How does it compare to the events in 'Quetta'?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use open-ended questions that prompt more than a yes or no response, encouraging deeper reflection and conversation.
Show genuine interest in their thoughts and feelings about the book; this promotes a sense of security and encourages them to express themselves more openly.
Relate the themes of the book to personal experiences or current events to make the conversation more relevant and engaging for the child.
After discussing, consider co-creating a small project based on the book's theme, like a drawing, to make the discussion more interactive and memorable.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Importance of teamwork
Explanation: In 'Quetta,' characters must work together to overcome challenges, showcasing the necessity of collaboration and cooperation.
Real-World Application: Children learn the value of cooperating with others, whether it be in school projects, sports, or family activities, enhancing their social and cooperative skills.
Example Lesson: Resilience in adversity
Explanation: The book depicts characters facing and overcoming significant obstacles, teaching readers about perseverance and the importance of facing challenges head-on.
Real-World Application: This lesson helps children understand that difficulties are a part of life, and that facing them bravely can lead to growth and success.
Example Lesson: Empathy and understanding
Explanation: Through the interactions between the characters, 'Quetta' explores the themes of empathy and understanding towards others' feelings and situations.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this understanding in their interactions with friends and classmates, learning to be considerate and supportive.
Example Lesson: Making difficult decisions
Explanation: The storyline presents scenarios where characters must make tough choices, emphasizing the importance of decision-making skills.
Real-World Application: This prepares children for moments in their own lives where they must make decisions and helps them consider the outcomes of their choices.
Example Lesson: Learning from mistakes
Explanation: Characters in 'Quetta' make mistakes and learn from them, which highlights the importance of learning and growing from errors.
Real-World Application: This teaches children that mistakes are opportunities for learning, encouraging them to embrace challenges and continue improving.