Raghda’s Hat

At one point or the other some children have to face sickness or death in the family. These are difficult subjects to discuss with a child. A story can be the best way to start a discussion and put the fears and feelings on the table.This preteen story discusses such a subject. 13 year old Raghda is recovering from cancer. She and her family have just moved to a new house and so she is attending a new school. Raghda has to deal with fitting in a new school, making new friends, being accepted while at the same time dealing with her illness.“Raghda’s Hat” talks about feelings of fear, sadness, anger, acceptance and hope. It is not only a story about cancer but it is a story about how cancer, like everything else that happens to us good or bad is only one part of our lives and does not need to take over all our lives or define us.

Questions for Discussion:
- Have you ever been in a new place and needed time to make friends? What did you do?
- What makes you feel happy when you’re sad? Is there someone or somewhere that helps you feel safe?
- If you were Raghda’s friend, how would you support her on her first day at school?
- Do you know anyone who has been sick before? How did you feel about it? What could you do to cheer them up?
- Why do you think some people are afraid to talk about illness? How can we make it easier to talk?
- What makes someone a true friend? Do friends always have to be happy?
- If someone you know looked different because of illness or something else, would that change how you feel about them? Why or why not?
- How would you feel if someone said something unkind to your friend? What would you do?
- If you could write Raghda a letter, what would you say to encourage her?

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