Set text resource: Little Bang

In partnership with EmpathyLab(this link will open in a new window) we have created a set text resource for Kelly McCaughrain’s novel Little Bang which allows you to explore the book as a set text with a focus on developing empathy skills and an understanding of other people’s feelings and life experiences.

Little Bang is set in 2018 against the background of the Irish referendum on abortion rights. After their first date, Mel discovers she is pregnant with Sid’s baby. Both of them try to navigate both the reactions of their families and what their life might look like.

Please note that the novel does discuss both pregnancy and abortion. A full list of content warnings is included in the resource. As with all of our resources, we highly recommend that you read the book before using it with your class and use your best judgement about whether teaching about this topic is appropriate for the young people in your class.

Included in this resource is:

• English and Literacy activities that take you through reading the novel with your class
• Cross-curricular activities you can use to further pupils’ understanding through collaborating with other departments in your school
• EmpathyLab learning activities focused on developing pupils’ empathy skills

On our website, you can find our other EmpathyLab set text resources, including:

• Glasgow Boys by Margaret McDonald
• You Could Be So Pretty by Holly Bourne
• Northern Soul by Phil Earle