The girl in blue
on Goodreads (5)
What’s inside...
A brief description of the main plot, characters, and themes of 'The Girl in Blue' by Margaret Beames. When Sandy's mother takes the job of looking after elderly Miss Cannon, they go to live in her rambling old house.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
4-8
Length
128 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think the girl in blue felt when she embarked on her journey?
How did the characters' actions show their feelings throughout the story?
What would you have done if you were in the girl's shoes?
How do you think the story would change if it happened in our town?
What did you learn from the girl in blue's adventures?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use expressive reading to convey the emotions of the characters, making the story come alive.
Pause at critical moments in the story to allow your child to reflect and anticipate what might happen next.
Encourage your child to imagine alternative endings or scenarios to deepen their understanding of the story's themes.
Link the story's morals or lessons to real-life situations your child might encounter to make the themes more relatable.
Ask your child to draw their favorite scene or character from the book, then discuss why they chose that particular element.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Empathy and Understanding
Explanation: In 'The Girl in Blue,' the protagonist learns to understand and empathize with characters from different backgrounds.
Real-World Application: Children can use this lesson to appreciate the feelings and perspectives of others, helping them build stronger, more respectful relationships.
Example Lesson: Courage and Bravery
Explanation: The young girl in the story faces challenges bravely, despite her initial fears.
Real-World Application: This can inspire children to confront their own fears and tackle challenges with determination, whether it’s at school, during extracurricular activities, or in social settings.
Example Lesson: Importance of Friendship
Explanation: The story highlights how friendships can provide support and joy even in tough times.
Real-World Application: Children learn the value of nurturing friendships and being a good friend, which is essential for their social development and emotional well-being.
Example Lesson: Resilience in Adversity
Explanation: Throughout her adventures, the protagonist remains resilient, adapting to new situations with a positive attitude.
Real-World Application: This lesson helps children understand that setbacks are a part of life, and that maintaining a positive outlook can lead to overcoming these challenges.
Example Lesson: Creativity and Imagination
Explanation: The vivid, imaginative settings and scenarios encourage creative thinking in young readers.
Real-World Application: By engaging with the story, children can enhance their own creativity, which can be applied in problem solving, artistic expression, and academic projects.