Yasou Nikki (Young Bluegum)
Young Bluegum. Series
What’s inside...
Nikki, originally from Greece, moves to Australia with her family and struggles to adapt to her new environment, particularly at school. With her fears of being ridiculed for her accent and unfamiliarity, she remains silent. However, her perspective changes when she befriends Jacqueline, who offers her understanding and support in navigating this new chapter of her life.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
7-12
Length
72 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think Nikki felt when she moved to a new place? How would you feel in her situation?
Nikki makes a new friend in the story. What do you think makes someone a good friend?
How do you think the garden is important to Nikki? What's a special place for you?
Why do you think Nikki's grandmother tells her stories about Greece? What stories does our family share?
How does Nikki change from the beginning to the end of the book? Have you ever changed like that?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their thoughts and feelings about moving and making new friends, relating them to Nikki’s experiences.
Discuss the cultural aspects of the book, like Greek stories and traditions, to broaden your child’s understanding of different heritages.
Explore the importance of settings in the story, like Nikki's garden, and relate it to your child’s favorite personal space.
After reading, ask your child to draw a picture of their favorite scene or character to help them connect visually with the story.
Use Nikki’s growth throughout the book to discuss any recent changes or growth they've noticed in themselves.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Empathy and understanding
Explanation: In 'Yasou Nikki (Young Bluegum)', the protagonist Nikki demonstrates empathy by understanding and relating to the feelings of others, especially during her interactions with diverse characters in the story.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by being mindful of their peers' emotions and perspectives, fostering a supportive and inclusive environment in their schools and neighborhoods.
Example Lesson: Resilience in the face of adversity
Explanation: Throughout the book, Nikki faces various challenges but shows resilience by not giving up and finding creative solutions to her problems.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the importance of perseverance and determination, encouraging them to tackle their obstacles with a positive attitude, whether it's in their academics, sports, or personal life.
Example Lesson: Importance of friendship
Explanation: Nikki's interactions and adventures with her friends in the book highlight the value of having supportive relationships and working together to overcome difficulties.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to cultivate and value strong friendships, which can provide emotional support and help them through challenging times.
Example Lesson: Appreciation of nature
Explanation: The setting of 'Yasou Nikki (Young Bluegum)' prominently features the natural environment, which plays a key role in the storyline and teaches Nikki various life lessons.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to explore and appreciate the outdoors, promoting environmental consciousness and activities such as hiking, gardening, or participating in conservation efforts.