The Clay Marble (Sunburst Book)
Sunburst Book Series
on Goodreads (1,966)
What’s inside...
Fleeing war-torn Cambodia in 1980, Dara, her mother, and her older brother find sanctuary in a refugee settlement on the Thailand border, but when fighting erupts, Dara finds herself separated from everyone and everything she loves.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
10-14
Length
163 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Dara
Nea
Jantu
Sarun
Dara'S Mother
Chnay
Discussion points
How do you think Dara felt when she lost her family and had to survive in the war-torn landscape?
What qualities did Jantu show that make her a good friend? Can you think of a time when you helped a friend like Jantu did?
How does the clay marble symbolize hope and resilience for Dara?
Why do you think it's important for Dara to return to her village even after all the hardships she faced?
What changes do you see in Dara from the beginning to the end of the story?
Tip: Role play these questions
Begin by asking your child how they felt about the book and what parts stood out to them.
Encourage your child to relate the friendship between Dara and Jantu to their own life. Ask if they have or would like to have a friend like Jantu. Discuss what qualities make a good friend.
Discuss the symbolism of the clay marble. This can be a good way to introduce your child to the concept of symbolism in literature.
Talk about the resilience shown by Dara and her community. Relate it to any personal adversities or challenges your family has overcome together.
Highlight Dara’s growth throughout the story. Ask your child if they have noticed how they themselves have changed or grown in the past year.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Resilience in adversity
Explanation: In 'The Clay Marble', the protagonist, Dara, demonstrates resilience as she navigates the challenges of war and displacement to help her family. Her determination to find a better life exemplifies this trait.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to face challenges with courage and persistence, understanding that they have the strength to overcome difficulties in their own lives.
Example Lesson: The importance of friendship
Explanation: Throughout the book, Dara forms a significant bond with a fellow refugee, Jantu, which underscores the value of friendship during tough times. This companionship provides emotional support and helps both characters endure their hardships.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the importance of building and maintaining friendships, especially during challenging times, as a source of support and comfort.
Example Lesson: Empathy and compassion
Explanation: Dara's interactions with others in the refugee camp, particularly concerning their struggles and losses, highlight the themes of empathy and compassion.
Real-World Application: Children learn to empathize with others' feelings and experiences, fostering a sense of compassion and understanding towards people from different backgrounds and circumstances.
Example Lesson: Creative problem solving
Explanation: Dara uses her imagination and creativity to make a clay marble that brings hope to her and Jantu during bleak times, illustrating how creativity can be a source of solace and solution.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to use their creativity to solve problems and find unique solutions to obstacles they face in everyday life.
Example Lesson: The impact of war on communities
Explanation: The story provides insight into the effects of war on individuals and communities, teaching readers about the broader implications of conflict.
Real-World Application: This lesson helps children develop an awareness of global issues and the significance of peace, promoting a broader understanding of the world and enhancing their global empathy.