Black Sock Swamp Level 19-20

Black Sock Swamp is a poignant and vividly illustrated story about the value of nature in a small village community. Told from a child's perspective, the story recounts a deep love for the mangrove swamp-a vital ecosystem that supports fish and village traditions. When the swamp is destroyed to build a hotel, the community celebrates the development, except for the child and her grandmother, who understand the long-term loss. The decline in mullet fish the following year illustrates the environmental cost of short-sighted progress. This powerful narrative encourages empathy, environmental stewardship, and intergenerational wisdom. Its rich language and emotional depth provide excellent opportunities for classroom discussion, ethical debate, and cross-curricular learning.

Educational Benefits:

• Builds understanding of ecosystems and environmental impact.
• Supports emotional literacy through character perspective and empathy.
• Encourages critical thinking about sustainability and development.
• Highlights oral traditions and storytelling through the child's voice.

Classroom Ideas:

• Research the role of mangroves in coastal environments.
• Debate the pros and cons of development vs conservation.
• Write letters from the grandmother's perspective to the village council.
• Create a visual timeline showing the effects of the swamp's removal.

Safety & Information:

• Suitable for ages: 6-8
• Book dimensions: 210mm x 199mm
• Softcover; made with durable, recyclable paper
• Safe for guided group reading and discussion