SuitabookLarger-than-life Lara
Dandi Daley Mackall
- Reading
- Read alongside the child rather than rushing past the teasing. Pause to name what is happening, ask what support the characters might need, and discuss whether apologies repair the damage.
- Themes
- Appearance-based prejudice: Lara is treated as unacceptable by classmates because of her size and is not initially given a chance to be known. The book takes a critical view of this.
- Teasing and responsibility: Lara continues trying to be kind while classmates tease her; after a final cruel act, the class offers written apologies. The book takes a critical view of this.
- Laney’s family life: Laney’s narration includes a father who drinks and hits, as well as mean brothers; her own pain sits alongside the school story. The book’s stance on this remains unclear.
- Worth knowing
- Consider whether the child would welcome a story containing repeated insults about body size, harsh peer treatment and a home situation involving a drinking, violent father.