The Village that Vanished
What’s inside...
Young Abikanile and all of the villagers of Yao feel safe hidden deep within the African jungle. But word has come that the slavers are on their way! Abikanile looks to her mother and her grandmother for strength and guidance. These two brave women come up with a plan to fool the slavers and protect their tribe. But as the villagers retreat into the forest, Abikanile finds that she too has the courage to help her people stay safe and free.
Age
5-8
Length
40 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Abikanile
Njemile
Discussion points
How do you think the villagers felt when they had to leave their homes? What would you do in their situation?
Why is it important to help others in your community, like the characters in the story?
What does bravery mean to you? Can you give examples of brave actions by the characters in the book?
How did the villagers work together to solve their problem? Why is teamwork important?
Tip: Role play these questions
Before reading, briefly explain the setting and the historical context of the story to help your child understand the background.
Encourage your child to think about the themes of community and courage by asking them what they would do in similar situations.
After reading the story, have your child draw a picture of their favorite part or favorite character. Discuss why they chose that particular part or character.
Connect the story to real-life events by discussing current news that involves communities facing challenges and working together to overcome them.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Courage and resourcefulness
Explanation: In 'The Village that Vanished', the villagers demonstrate bravery and clever thinking to protect their community from slave traders.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to face challenges boldly and use their creativity to solve problems in their own lives, whether in school or in their social interactions.
Example Lesson: Importance of community and teamwork
Explanation: The story emphasizes how the villagers worked together to successfully hide and safeguard their entire village.
Real-World Application: This can teach children the value of cooperating with others and how collective effort can lead to accomplishing significant goals, like group projects or family tasks.
Example Lesson: Historical awareness
Explanation: Through its setting and plot, the book introduces children to the difficult histories of African villages during the slave trade era.
Real-World Application: This can help children develop a deeper understanding of history and empathy for those who lived through such times, enhancing their ability to respect and learn from diverse cultural backgrounds.
Example Lesson: Resilience in the face of adversity
Explanation: The villagers display great resilience, adapting to a dangerous situation to ensure their survival.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to remain strong and adaptable when faced with difficulties, understanding that sometimes change, although challenging, is necessary for protection and growth.
Example Lesson: Strategic thinking
Explanation: The plan to vanish the village required careful thought and strategic planning from the villagers.
Real-World Application: This lesson can inspire children to think critically and plan ahead in their everyday decisions and actions, from simple tasks like organizing their time for homework to more complex social interactions.