Transfiguring Adoption’s Overview:
We finally seem to be building up towards the climax of the story this week! I’ve been feeling increasingly like a resident of Cornucopia myself as the weeks have worn on- desperate for any little bit of good news! Our story’s heroes must be feeling likewise as they are finally starting to fight back, and really fight back. We can only hope that this means that we are on route for good to triumph over evil and perhaps a happy ending is in sight.
For those reading with children who have experienced trauma, be aware that some of the heavy triggers from last week’s chapters are present again and it might be a good idea to read ahead before allowing children to read these installments (Especially Chapters 48 and 49).
** Spoilers Could Be Ahead **
A few Cautionary Points to watch out for in these chapters:
- Reminders of Loss– Mrs. Beamish has flashbacks to her husband’s death
- Running Away/Living on the Streets– Bert has run away out of fear for his life and we see him living on the streets scavenging for food and hiding from soldiers. Daisy, Bert and their friends also run away from the orphanage and are exposed to the elements.
- Kidnapping– Basher John finds Roddy and Bert on the streets and takes them to Ma Grunter’s Orphanage
- Child Abuse/Neglect- We see more scenes of Ma Grunter’s Orphanage. Older kids go without food in order for younger kids to have more. Children are locked in the house and not allowed to leave.
- Abandonment/Aging Out– When kids ‘get too old’ Ma Grunter throws them out on the streets to fend for themselves (sine she can’t get a stipend for them any more)
Possible Discussion Points:
- Honesty/Keeping Secrets- Daisy, Bert, and Roderick are all keeping pieces of information from the others, in the name of protecting their friends. When is it okay to keep a secret?
- Keeping Hope Alive-Mrs. Beamish doesn’t give up and uses her wits to find small ways to make life better for the prisoners. She especially tries to help Mr. Dovetail. Do you think there’s any hope for him? How does Mrs. Beamish help him?
- Friendship– Roderick almost kills Bert but then can’t because he cares about him. Bert and Daisy are reunited. How have their friendships been tested and how have they maintained them through incredible circumstances?
