The Bride Price
on Goodreads (1,657)
What’s inside...
Aku-nna, a young Ibo girl schooled in her people's rituals and beliefs, undergoes kidnapping, forced betrothal, and near-shame out of love for Chike, son of a former slave. This award-winning collection of adapted classic literature and original stories develops reading skills for low-beginning through advanced students.
Age
12-18
Length
192 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Aku-Nna Odia
Ma Blackie
Chike Ofulue
Okonkwo
Discussion points
How do the cultural expectations in 'The Bride Price' affect the main character's decisions?
What are some ways Aku-nna shows strength despite the challenges she faces?
Why do you think the author chose to focus on the theme of freedom versus tradition?
How does the setting of the story influence the events that unfold?
In what ways can we relate the issues faced by Aku-nna to challenges in our own lives?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start the conversation by sharing your thoughts on the book and encourage your child to express their feelings and viewpoints.
Focus on understanding the character's emotions by asking your child how they might feel in similar situations.
Discuss the historical and cultural context of the book to help your child understand the reasons behind the characters’ actions.
Encourage your child to think about the consequences of the characters’ decisions and ask how they might have handled things differently.
Create connections with the book by relating its themes to current events or personal experiences, making the discussion more relevant.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of education
Explanation: In 'The Bride Price', the protagonist, Aku-nna, places a high value on her education, which acts as a form of empowerment and a path toward independence in a society that imposes limitations on women.
Real-World Application: Children can learn about the power and opportunities that come with education, encouraging them to value and pursue their own schooling and lifelong learning.
Example Lesson: Resilience in the face of adversity
Explanation: Despite facing numerous challenges, including the cultural demands of a bride price and the societal expectations of marriage, Aku-nna shows resilience and determination to choose her own destiny.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the importance of staying strong during difficult times and fighting for their rights and beliefs, essential skills in navigating life's challenges.
Example Lesson: Empathy and understanding different cultures
Explanation: The setting and cultural practices in 'The Bride Price' provide a window into the traditions of the Ibo community in Nigeria, fostering a sense of empathy and understanding towards different ways of life.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this understanding by embracing diversity and learning to respect different cultural perspectives, which is crucial in our globalized world.
Example Lesson: Questioning societal norms
Explanation: Aku-nna’s story challenges conventional societal norms and illustrates the conflicts that arise when individual desires clash with traditional expectations.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to think critically about the norms and rules they encounter, understanding that it's okay to question them and formulate their own views.
Example Lesson: The significance of personal choice
Explanation: The narrative emphasizes the importance of making personal choices, as Aku-nna struggles to assert her choice in marriage, against the traditional expectations of her family and community.
Real-World Application: This lesson underscores the value of personal autonomy and making decisions that align with one's own values and desires, which is fundamental in personal development and happiness.