Stitched Up
#8 in Astrosaurs Series
What’s inside...
The horrific real-life cost of fast fashion is exposed in this gripping tale of survival from bestselling author Steve Cole. When twelve-year-old Hanh is offered a job as a shop assistant in Hanoi, she sees it as a chance to earn money to send back to her family living in poverty in rural Vietnam. But on her arrival in the city, she soon learns that the job offer was a lie and finds herself working in virtual slavery in an illegal garment factory. Life in this sweatshop is a daily hell of long hours, little rest, poor food and regular violence. Hanh is desperate to escape, but when an opportunity arises will she be able to find the courage to take a dangerous chance?
Discussion points
What do you think the main character felt when they discovered the magic thread? How would you feel in their place?
If you could stitch anything into reality, what would it be and why?
How did the friendships in the book change from the beginning to the end? What do you think made them change?
What lessons can we learn about bravery and creativity from the characters?
How do you think the story would be different if it happened in our town?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use open-ended questions that invite more than a yes or no response to encourage deeper thinking and engagement.
Relate themes from the book to real-life experiences your child may have had to make the discussion more relatable and meaningful.
Praise your child’s responses and expand on them, regardless of their length, to show that their thoughts and opinions are valued.
Encourage your child to ask questions they may have about the book, fostering a two-way dialogue.
End your discussion with a creative activity, like drawing a scene from the book or imagining a new ending, to deepen understanding and enjoyment.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Teamwork and Cooperation
Explanation: Throughout 'Stitched Up', characters must work together to solve puzzles and overcome challenges, emphasizing the importance of collaboration.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by engaging in group activities at school or in sports, learning to value each participant's contribution.
Example Lesson: Resilience in the face of challenges
Explanation: The protagonist, despite numerous setbacks, continues to persevere, teaching readers about the importance of resilience.
Real-World Application: This lesson encourages children to keep trying in their own lives, whether they are dealing with academic challenges or learning new skills.
Example Lesson: Creativity and Problem Solving
Explanation: The book showcases characters coming up with innovative solutions to escape tricky situations, which highlights the importance of creative thinking.
Real-World Application: Kids can use these principles in their creative endeavors or while finding solutions to everyday problems.
Example Lesson: Importance of Friendship
Explanation: Characters in 'Stitched Up' rely on their friends for support and guidance, underlining the value of true friendships.
Real-World Application: This can help children understand the importance of nurturing friendships and being supportive friends in their own lives.
Example Lesson: Courage to face the unknown
Explanation: As characters encounter unfamiliar situations, their bravery encourages readers to embrace the unknown without fear.
Real-World Application: Children learn to approach new experiences, such as moving to a new school or trying a new activity, with confidence and bravery.