The Back End of Nowhere
on Goodreads (25)
What’s inside...
A novel for young people about a young American girl who moves to live in Wales much against her will. The story is loosely based on the Cantre'r Gwaelod legend. Published under the Pont imprint.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
9-12
Length
214 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think is the most interesting place in Nowhere, and why?
How do you think the main character felt when they encountered the unexpected in Nowhere?
If you were in Nowhere, what would you do differently from the characters in the book?
What lessons can we learn from the challenges faced in the story?
How do you think the story would change if it happened in our hometown instead of Nowhere?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to use their imagination to visualize Nowhere and describe it to you.
Ask your child to relate the emotions of the characters to their own experiences, fostering empathy.
Discuss the decision-making of characters and explore alternative choices, promoting critical thinking.
After reading, encourage your child to draw a scene from the book. This could serve as a fun, engaging way to connect with the story’s themes and settings.
Use the story as a springboard to discuss the importance of facing challenges and the value of perseverance.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Resilience
Explanation: The protagonist faces numerous challenges as they journey through an unknown land, demonstrating the power of perseverance and tenacity.
Real-World Application: Children can learn the importance of not giving up in the face of difficulties, whether it's in their studies, sports, or personal relationships.
Example Lesson: Creativity
Explanation: The characters in the story often use their imagination to solve puzzles and navigate through tricky situations, showcasing the value of creative thinking.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to think outside the box and apply creative solutions to problems they encounter in school or while playing.
Example Lesson: Empathy
Explanation: Throughout their travels, the characters meet various creatures and people who are different from them but still need kindness and understanding.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the importance of being compassionate and considerate towards others, regardless of their backgrounds or differences.
Example Lesson: Teamwork
Explanation: The characters must work together to overcome obstacles and reach their goals, emphasizing the importance of cooperation and collaboration.
Real-World Application: Children learn the significance of working with others to achieve common objectives, be it in group projects at school or in team sports.
Example Lesson: Courage
Explanation: Facing the unknown takes bravery, and the characters show this as they venture into new territories.
Real-World Application: This imparts the lesson of facing fears and stepping out of one's comfort zone, which is crucial for personal growth and development.