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Question: Are we all reflected in the books we read?
Think about some of the books that you have read.
Which are your favourites?
Who are your favourite characters and why?
Are they similar or different to us?
What do you think the word diverse means?
Do you think that it's important to read book where the characters are different from /similar to you?
Do you agree with what Keziah says about books?
Can you think of books you have read where you have learnt a lot about another place or people who have different experiences from your own?
What did you learn from the book?
Do you think it’s important to hear and read stories which we can also learn from?
Reflection
Books can play an important role in shaping our lives. Different stories and characters can affect how we see ourselves and the world around us.
Question: Do fiction books need to represent real life?
Think about fiction books.
What is a fiction book?
What was the last fiction book you read?
Do you have a favourite fiction book?
Why is it your favourite?
Tell us!
For any of the books that were mentioned, do any of these books represent real life? Do you think they should?
Think about one of your favourite books. Which parts of the book could be real life and which parts could not?
• Can you think of any stories that are very unlike reality? Did you enjoy this story? Do you think it is possible to give younger children the wrong messages or false hope if a story doesn’t represent real life?
• Sebastian thinks that although fiction books are made up, they still represent some reality as we can identify with characters and the story messages and lessons. Do you agree with this? Can you think of a character that you identify with? Why do you identify with them?
Reflection
Fiction books are made up. The characters, places and events are imaginary. Some of us may enjoy fiction books that represent real life; others may prefer to escape to a fantasy world.