The Ape Star
on Goodreads (254)
What’s inside...
The Ape Star tells the story of an orphan girl named Jonna who is adopted by a gorilla named Vahiné. Despite their differences, Jonna and Vahiné develop a deep bond, showing that family is more than just blood relations. Together, they embark on various adventures that test their relationship and prove the strength of their unconventional family. In this award-winning chapter book about prejudice and justice, an orphan girl is adopted by a gorilla who lives in a junkyard. Their growing friendship defies all odds and faces challenges from society. Jonna, who initially dreams of a conventional family, finds love and acceptance in the most unexpected form, leading to a heartwarming story about love, adoption, friendship, and seeing from different perspectives.
Age
7-11
Length
144 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Jonna
Harriet
Gorilla
Tord
Discussion points
How do you think the relationship between Jonna and the Ape Star evolves throughout the story, and what causes these changes?
What lessons do you think Jonna learns from her adventures? Do you think these lessons are important in real life?
If you were in Jonna's place, how would you react to meeting and living with the Ape Star?
How do the other characters in the book impact Jonna’s journey and decisions? Can you share any similar experiences from your own life?
What does the idea of 'family' mean in this book? How does it compare to what family means to you?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their thoughts and feelings about Jonna's journey, validating their opinions to build self-esteem.
Discuss the concept of 'family' depicted in the book and relate it to your child’s understanding of what family means, enhancing their personal connection to the story.
Ask your child to imagine alternative scenarios in the story, boosting their creativity and problem-solving skills.
Link discussions from the book to real-life lessons about friendship, courage, and acceptance, making the reading experience both educational and relatable.
Use expressive reading techniques, such as changing your tone for different characters, to make the story more engaging and enjoyable for your child.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Value of acceptance and understanding
Explanation: In 'The Ape Star', the unconventional bond between an orphan girl and an irritable ape highlights the importance of accepting others despite their differences.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by embracing diversity and being open to friendships with peers who may come from different backgrounds or have unique characteristics.
Example Lesson: Importance of resilience
Explanation: The protagonist’s journey showcases her ability to adapt and persevere through unfamiliar and challenging situations.
Real-World Application: This lesson teaches children to remain resilient in the face of adversity, such as moving to a new school or dealing with personal challenges.
Example Lesson: Power of empathy
Explanation: The story emphasizes understanding and empathizing with others' feelings, particularly through the girl's efforts to connect with the ape.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to consider the feelings of others before acting, helping them build stronger and more empathetic relationships.
Example Lesson: Value of curiosity and learning
Explanation: The young protagonist's curious nature leads her to learn and adapt to her new life with the ape, showing the benefits of a curious and open mind.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to seek knowledge and explore their interests, enhancing their educational growth and personal development.