About This Book
Fig Pudding offers a deeply moving and honest portrayal of a large, close-knit family's journey through a year marked by both everyday joys and profound sorrow. Narrated by eleven-year-old Cliff, the story begins with the usual boisterous family life, including a scare when his baby brother falls ill. However, the narrative takes a poignant turn with the sudden death of his younger brother, Brad, in an accident. The book sensitively explores the family's grieving process, individually and collectively, as they navigate their first Christmas and New Year without Brad. Despite the heavy themes, the story is balanced with heartwarming moments of family love and even laugh-out-loud humor, particularly in the memorable 'fig pudding' incident that symbolizes their gradual return to joy. It's an excellent book for opening conversations about loss, resilience, and the unique ways families cope and heal.
Cliff describes the excitement, conflict, and sudden tragedy experienced by his large and boisterous family during his eleventh year.
Character Death
sadness_grief
Discussion Prompts
1
How does Cliff's family show their love for each other, even when things are difficult?
2
What are some different ways the family members cope with Brad's death? Are there any ways you've seen people cope with sadness?
3
The book has sad parts and funny parts. Why do you think the author included both? How does humor help the family?
4
What does the fig pudding incident tell us about the family's ability to heal and find joy again?
5
How does Cliff change throughout the year? What does he learn about himself and his family?
6
If you were part of Cliff's family, what would you do to help everyone feel better?
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