25/07/2026
Chapter Review:
"VALUE" Chapter 5
"Good to be Good" by Esther Aderiyike Sokomba
Young Readers | Blog.
Chapter 4 BONDING ...
taught us about family fun time together.
Chapter 5, "VALUE" brings us home and teaches us about the small, everyday choices that show who we really are.
This chapter is a masterclass in gratitude, responsibility, and self-worth. It told us in a way young readers will actually understand and remember.
THE STORY ...
From Morning Rush to "It's My Happy Day!"
The day starts with the kids still excited from their park trip in Chapter
4. Mummy has to call them to order.
Scene 1: Morning Responsibilities
Mummy calls Alex first. Alex gives her a hug and asks if she slept well. Instead of just chatting about the park, Mummy gives Alex real work:
pick toothbrushes,
bring hot water,
help bath Albert and brush his teeth.
Albert immediately runs in asking “Where’s my brother?”_
Lesson: Value is shown through responsibility. Helping at home means you are trusted.
Scene 2: The Clothes Dilemma
Later, Mummy goes to pick clothes for the girls. She finds Joy crying on the floor, bag turned upside down. Joy is rejecting everything:
“This? I hate it, the colour is too dull.”
“This, I hate it, it is ugly.”
“That one is too long.”
Ann quickly defends herself: “Mummy, I didn't do anything to her!”
Scene 3: Mummy’s Big Lesson
Mummy sits with Joy and teaches her gently:
“My dear, if the clothes we wear are what define who we are and our worth. The poor who cannot afford expensive and beautiful clothes would always feel worthless. Our clothes don't define us. We only feel the way we choose to feel about ourselves and that, I will suggest is positive feeling... we should not outrightly condemn what others offer we may indirectly condemning such people.”
She adds: “Some people may do something for you with their best intention... We should not be too quick to conclude on issues that we did not witness.”
Maybe Mummy picked those clothes because she was with Dad in the hospital. Maybe someone else helped. We don’t know the full story, so we shouldn’t judge.
She also reminds them: “It may also not be the best time to be thinking of impressing others with a beautiful dress.”
Scene 4: 'The Turnaround'
Mummy picks a "yellow skirt with white lace trimming" and a blue 'happy day' T-shirt.
“This would go beautifully with this floral skirt,” she says. “Trying something new won’t hurt your fashion sense knowing fully well that you are a fashion lover.”
That makes the girls laugh. The tension breaks.
Joy sighs in relief, tries on the T-shirt and shouts: “It’s my happy day!” She hugs Mummy and says:
“Thank you, ma, now I know why some very important personalities maintain their simple lifestyle and modest dress sense despite their fame and wealth.”
Mummy is proud. She tells Joy to arrange her clothes. Joy does, admiring them, holding them to her chest, dancing and swirling in front of the mirror. She finishes her tasks and exits, happy.
3 BIG LESSONS FOR YOUNG READERS
1.VALUE; RESPONSIBILITY
You show your value by helping at home. Brushing teeth,
bathing a sibling, arranging your bag(room or corner)...
these small things matter. Mummy trusts Alex because she is responsible.
2. VALUE = GRATITUDE + UNDERSTANDING
Don’t reject what people give you just because it’s not perfect. People do their best with what they have.
Be polite, say thank you, and try to understand before you complain. “We should not be too quick to conclude.”
3. VALUE = YOUR WORTH IS NOT IN YOUR CLOTHES
Expensive clothes don’t make you special. Character does. Even rich and famous people choose simple, modest styles. Be confident in what is rightfully yours. Choose to feel positive about yourself.
WHY KIDS WILL LOVE THIS CHAPTER
-Real Life: Every child has fought over clothes, chores, or wanted something “better.”
- Relatable Characters: From Joy’s tantrum to her dancing, kids see themselves in her.
- Interactive: The chapter ends with 5 reflection questions:
1. What did mummy tell Joy about the clothes we wear?
2. Did Joy later like the dresses?
3. Why should we be appreciative of what we have?
4. What do you like wearing? Why?
5. Do you feel ashamed to use what is rightfully yours?
BLOG VERDICT: 5/5 ⭐
Good to be Good by Esther Aderiyike Sokomba uses everyday family moments to teach big values.
Chapter 5 VALUE is perfect for ages 7-13. It doesn’t preach, it shows.
From morning chores to a dance in front of the mirror, kids learn that being good starts at home, with gratitude and responsibility.
Quote to Take Away:
_“Our clothes don't define us. We only feel the way we choose to feel about ourselves.”
Discussion Prompt for You:
What’s one way you showed VALUE at home this week?
Did you help a sibling, say thank you, or appreciate something small?
Tell us below 👇............................................................................
Have you read Good to be Good? Which chapter is your favorite so far? ...............,........
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Want me to also create a *printable activity sheet + comprehension questions* for this chapter that teachers and parents can download?
