The Orphan Boy
on Goodreads (86)
What’s inside...
When a lonely old Maasai man adopts an orphan boy who mysteriously appears in his village, he is delighted to have a son at last. However, he discovers that the orphan has powers unlike an ordinary boy, and soon he is desperate to know the boy's secret. Orphan Boy Cassette is published by Fitzhenry and Whiteside.
Discussion points
How do you think Tololwa Mollel felt when he looked up at the night sky, just like the orphan boy in the story?
What would you have done if you met someone as magical as the star-man in the story?
What are some ways the orphan boy shows kindness and courage throughout his journey?
How did the ending of the story make you feel and why?
If you could ask the orphan boy one question, what would it be?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start by asking your child to recount the story in their own words; this helps build their narrative skills and ensures they understand the plot.
Encourage your child to express their feelings about the story and its characters. This promotes emotional intelligence and empathy.
Discuss the themes of resilience and hope in the story and relate them to real-life challenges your child might face.
Use the magical elements of the story to spark imaginative conversations. Ask your child what kind of magical powers they would like to have and why.
After discussing the book, engage in a creative activity together, like drawing scenes from the book or writing a letter to the orphan boy.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Empathy and Understanding
Explanation: The story portrays the main character's journey of forming an unlikely friendship with an elderly man, showcasing how understanding others' feelings and stories can lead to meaningful relationships.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to appreciate and understand the diverse backgrounds of their peers and elders, fostering a more inclusive and empathetic community.
Example Lesson: Resilience in the Face of Adversity
Explanation: The protagonist faces various challenges but learns to overcome them with courage and determination, demonstrating that resilience is key to navigating life's difficulties.
Real-World Application: This lesson can encourage children to persist through their own challenges, whether they are struggling with schoolwork, friendships, or personal goals.
Example Lesson: The Value of Curiosity and Learning
Explanation: The character's thirst for knowledge and understanding of the world around him opens up new opportunities and friendships, highlighting the importance of being curious and eager to learn.
Real-World Application: Children will be inspired to ask questions and seek answers about their surroundings, which can enhance their academic performance and critical thinking skills.
Example Lesson: Respect for Elders
Explanation: The book underscores the wisdom and experience that elderly people can offer, teaching respect and veneration for older generations.
Real-World Application: Kids can be encouraged to engage more with their grandparents or elderly people in their community, learning from their experiences and stories.