Uprising : A True Story
NA Series
on Goodreads (7)
What’s inside...
This is the gritty but inspiring true story of the award-winning author Alex Wheatle. Alex had a tough start in life, abandoned by his family and growing up in a care home. After being expelled from school, he lived in a Brixton hostel where he discovered music and friends but also encountered drugs and violence. His involvement in the Brixton Uprising led to imprisonment, casting a shadow over his future. However, a transformative event altered his life's trajectory. This book is part of the Diffusion series, designed to help adults and teenagers improve their reading skills. The series features easy-to-read, short chapters and includes discussion questions to facilitate reflection on the story and readers' own lives. Purchasing this book supports a project aimed at enhancing reading skills and life opportunities for people in prison.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
12-18
Length
64 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What emotions did you feel while reading about the characters' struggles and triumphs in 'Uprising: A True Story'?
How do you think teamwork and community support impacted the characters’ ability to overcome challenges?
What lessons can we learn about resilience and courage from the characters in the book?
If you were in the book, how would you help the characters in their journey?
What changes would you like to see in the community, inspired by the events in the book?
Tip: Role play these questions
Begin your discussion by sharing your own thoughts and feelings about the story to create an open, communicative environment.
Encourage your child to think about parallels between the book and their own life, which can provide personal insights and connections.
Highlight the importance of understanding history and its impact on communities, fostering a deeper understanding of cultural resilience.
Ask your child to think about what actions they can take in their community, inspired by the courage shown by the characters.
Praise your child for their thoughts and insights, reinforcing their confidence in expressing their ideas and opinions.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Resilience in the face of adversity
Explanation: The protagonist of 'Uprising: A True Story' faces numerous challenges but continuously demonstrates the courage and determination to overcome them. This resilience is depicted through their actions and decisions throughout the story.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to stay determined and keep striving towards their goals, even when they face obstacles or setbacks in school or personal endeavors.
Example Lesson: The importance of community support
Explanation: The story highlights how the protagonist draws strength and support from their community, showcasing the power of collective action and mutual aid during tough times.
Real-World Application: Children can be encouraged to value and actively participate in their own communities, whether at school, extracurricular activities, or within their neighborhood, understanding that mutual support is beneficial.
Example Lesson: Empathy and understanding diversity
Explanation: Through interactions between characters from diverse backgrounds, the book teaches the importance of empathy and understanding different perspectives.
Real-World Application: This lesson can help children appreciate diversity and foster inclusive behaviors, teaching them to respect and empathize with people who may appear different from them.
Example Lesson: The power of self-expression
Explanation: The protagonist uses various forms of self-expression to cope with challenges and articulate personal views. This demonstrates the importance of finding one’s voice.
Real-World Application: Encouraging children to express themselves through art, writing, or speaking can empower them to communicate effectively and assertively in real-world situations.
Example Lesson: Learning from history
Explanation: The book provides historical context that influences the protagonist's story, showing how past events shape present circumstances and future possibilities.
Real-World Application: Children can be encouraged to learn about and reflect on historical events to better understand the world around them and the impact of history on current social dynamics.