Five Times Dizzy

Name: Five Times Dizzy
ISBN: 9780340605349

by Nadia Wheatley

Mareka's Greek grandmother feels lost in their new Australian home. Mareka devises a brilliant, if unconventional, plan to cheer her up: a pet goat. This novel explores family, cultural identity, and

About This Book

Five Times Dizzy is a charming and poignant children's novel that follows Mareka, a young Greek-Australian girl, as she navigates the challenges of her family's new life in inner-city Sydney. Her beloved grandmother, Yaya, struggles with loneliness and homesickness, prompting Mareka to hatch an imaginative plan to bring joy back into her life: getting a pet goat. The story beautifully explores themes of immigration, cultural identity, intergenerational bonds, and the universal desire to belong, all while weaving in elements of comedy and drama. It's an excellent read for children aged 8-12, offering a gentle introduction to the immigrant experience and the power of family love.

Mareka and her family are newcomers to Australia from Greece. What can Mareka do to help her grandmother feel less unhappy and lost?

Concepts

Empathy & Kindness Love & Family Loneliness & Belonging Resilience & Perseverance Sadness & Grief Creativity & Imagination Joy & Gratitude Friendship & Loyalty Immigration Cultural Identity Growing Up Making Friends Family & Siblings

Discussion Prompts

What are some ways Mareka tried to help her grandmother?

How do you think Yaya felt when she first moved to Australia?

Have you ever felt new or different in a place? How did you cope?

What does 'feeling at home' mean to you?

What are some traditions or foods from your family's background that are special to you?

External Reviews

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