Ouma Ruby's Secret

Themes: Democracy and citizenship, Intercultural competence 

Connections to the Curriculum in English: This book provides students with insight into diversity in the English-speaking world and encourages reflection on different ways of living and, hence, develop students’ intercultural competence. 

Book cover

Author and publisher: Chris van Wyk, Giraffe Books 

Summary: This book tells the story of a young boy, Chris, living in Johannesburg in South Africa. Chris loves reading, and he often visits his grandmother, Ouma Ruby. One day, Ouma Ruby asks him to meet her in town. She takes him into a book shop and allows Chris to choose two books. Some weeks later, it is Ouma Ruby’s birthday, and Chris has an idea; he writes her a letter which he gives her when all the family are gathered. But, Ouma Ruby does not want to read the letter; she says she will read it later. He does not know Ouma Ruby’s secret until his mother reveals it to him: Ouma Ruby cannot read. 

Suitable for students in years: 5-10 

Tags: Democracy and citizenship, Intercultural competence
Published Jan. 28, 2022 9:43 AM - Last modified Sep. 20, 2022 2:33 PM