The Girl With The Broken Wing
on Goodreads (210)
What’s inside...
The twins are in bed when a mysterious girl with a broken wing arrives at their window. As they try to uncover her identity and purpose, they wonder if she might be their guardian angel, despite her snoring and dirty feet. 'The girl with the broken wing' is a humorous and heartwarming tale by Heather Dyer about an unexpected and quirky visitor.
Age
7-10
Length
151 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Matthew
Hilary
Emma
Great Aunt Emily
Discussion points
What do you think it feels like to have a broken wing? How do you think the girl coped with her challenges?
How did the characters in the story help each other? Can you think of a time when you helped someone or someone helped you?
What do you think is the main message of the story? How can we apply this message in our daily lives?
If you had a friend like the girl with the broken wing, how would you make her feel welcome?
How do you think the story would change if it was set in our hometown?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start the conversation by sharing a personal story related to overcoming a difficulty, which can open up a natural dialogue about the themes in the book.
Utilize pauses after asking questions to give your child time to think and express their thoughts fully.
Show genuine interest in their responses, and encourage them to elaborate by asking follow-up questions like 'Can you tell me more about that?'
Link discussions to real-life scenarios to help your child connect with the book’s themes, such as discussing times when they felt different or needed help.
Praise their insights and thoughts, which will boost their confidence and encourage more in-depth discussion.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Empathy and Understanding
Explanation: In 'The Girl With The Broken Wing', the siblings learn to understand and empathize with the angel, despite her mysterious presence.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to empathize with peers who may seem different or come from different backgrounds, fostering inclusivity and understanding in their everyday interactions.
Example Lesson: Responsibility
Explanation: The children in the story take on the responsibility of caring for the injured angel, showing dedication and maturity.
Real-World Application: This can teach children the importance of taking responsibility for their actions and caring for others, which are important traits for personal development.
Example Lesson: Courage
Explanation: Facing the unknown, the siblings display courage when dealing with the supernatural element of the angel.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to face their fears and approach challenging situations with bravery, whether it's trying new activities or standing up for what's right.
Example Lesson: The Power of Kindness
Explanation: Throughout the book, acts of kindness towards the angel lead to positive outcomes for all characters involved.
Real-World Application: This reinforces the value of kindness and can motivate children to act kindly towards others, influencing their social interactions and building positive relationships.
Example Lesson: Family Bonds
Explanation: The siblings come together, supporting each other to help the angel, which strengthens their family bond.
Real-World Application: This can encourage children to value and nurture relationships with their family members, understanding the importance of family support in overcoming obstacles.