The Secret Diary of the World's Worst Cook
on Goodreads (57)
What’s inside...
Rohin, a fifteen-year-old boy, is on vacation at his grandparents' rambling haveli in Lucknow, where he discovers the secret diary of Hassan Ali, or Hasnu, a reluctant cook's apprentice. As Rohin reads about Hasnu's doomed culinary career and his struggles to escape the expectations of his family, he becomes determined to find out what happened to Hasnu and whether he managed to pursue his own dreams. Rohin's quest leads him to uncover humorous and intriguing stories from the past, and ultimately helps him realize what he wants to do with his own life.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
7-14
Length
176 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think motivated the main character to keep trying to cook despite facing so many challenges?
How did the reactions of the other characters to the main character’s cooking adventures make you feel?
Can you think of a time when you tried something difficult and how you felt about it?
What lessons do you think the main character learned by the end of the book?
If you were to write a diary about a skill you're trying to improve, what would it be and what might you write?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use the questions to guide a reflective conversation, encouraging your child to connect their personal experiences with the character's journey.
After discussing each question, share a personal story of a similar challenge you faced to help your child see the universal nature of learning and growth.
Encourage your child to think creatively by asking them to imagine alternate scenarios or endings for the book.
Highlight the importance of perseverance and a positive attitude towards learning new skills, just like the character in the book.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Perseverance
Explanation: Throughout the book, the protagonist struggles with cooking but continues to try and improve.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of persisting through challenges and not giving up on difficult tasks.
Example Lesson: Creativity
Explanation: The main character uses inventive methods to overcome cooking mishaps.
Real-World Application: This can inspire children to think creatively in solving problems and adapting to new situations.
Example Lesson: Learning from Mistakes
Explanation: Each cooking attempt, though flawed, teaches the protagonist something new.
Real-World Application: Children understand that making mistakes is a natural part of the learning process and each error provides valuable lessons.
Example Lesson: Humor and Positivity
Explanation: Despite constant setbacks, the character maintains a humorous and positive outlook.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the importance of staying positive and finding humor, even in frustrating or difficult times.