First Flight

1. A Letter to God
Lencho, a poor farmer, relies on his crops for survival. When a hailstorm destroys his harvest,
he is devastated but places absolute faith in God. He writes a letter asking for 100 pesos to
re-sow his field. The postmaster, touched by Lencho’s trust, collects money from his
colleagues and sends him 70 pesos anonymously. Lencho is grateful but assumes the
missing amount was stolen by the post office staff, never doubting God. The story highlights
unshaken faith, irony, and human kindness, while showing how innocence can sometimes
misinterpret situations.

2. Nelson Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom

This extract from Nelson Mandela’s autobiography describes his journey to becoming South
Africa’s first black president after decades of struggle against apartheid. On the day of his
inauguration, he reflects on the sacrifices of countless freedom fighters who endured
suffering for liberty and equality. Mandela emphasizes that courage is not the absence of
fear but triumph over it. He praises both black and white leaders who contributed to ending
racial oppression. The lesson highlights values of forgiveness, dignity, freedom, and
collective responsibility, presenting Mandela as a symbol of resilience, hope, and moral
strength for the world.

3. Two Stories About Flying

His First Flight – A young seagull is too afraid to fly, unlike his siblings. His hunger finally
forces him to take off when his mother tempts him with food. He realizes the joy and freedom
of flight.
The Black Aeroplane – A pilot flying at night faces stormy weather. His compass and radio
fail, but a mysterious black aeroplane guides him to safety. After landing, he learns no other
plane was in the sky. Both stories depict courage, self-discovery, and mystery, teaching that
sometimes help comes from unexpected sources and fear can only be overcome by action.

4. From the Diary of Anne Frank

This extract from The Diary of a Young Girl captures Anne Frank’s life as a teenager hiding
during Nazi rule. She begins her diary to share her feelings, describing her bond with family
and struggles of adolescence. Anne reveals her sharp observations, wit, and longing for
freedom. Despite hardship, she maintains hope and maturity. The lesson portrays how
writing can be a source of comfort and reflection during dark times. It also reminds readers
of the horrors of war and the resilience of human spirit through the innocent yet powerful
voice of a young girl.

5. Glimpses of India
This lesson has three parts:
Baker from Goa – Recalls traditional Portuguese bakers, their bread, and their role in Goan
culture.
Coorg – Describes Coorg, a scenic hill station known for coffee, wildlife, and the bravery of
Kodavu people.
Tea from Assam – Narrates a journey through Assam’s tea gardens while sharing interesting
facts about tea’s history and popularity.
Together, these glimpses capture India’s diversity, traditions, and natural beauty. The lesson
emphasizes cultural heritage, hospitality, and the unique identity of different regions while
highlighting India’s rich history of customs, food, and landscapes that continue to charm
locals and visitors alike.

6. Mijbil the Otter

Gavin Maxwell, the author, narrates his experience of adopting an otter, Mijbil, after his dog
died. Initially shy and reserved, Mijbil soon becomes playful, affectionate, and mischievous,
adjusting to his new life with the author. Maxwell describes their bond and Mijbil’s curious
habits, such as playing with water. Traveling with Mijbil to London was challenging, but the
otter gradually adapts to city life, capturing the attention of people around. The story
highlights themes of companionship, love for animals, and the joy pets bring to human lives.
It also shows how patience and care help foster trust and affection.

7. Madam Rides the Bus

Valli, an eight-year-old girl, is fascinated by the bus that passes through her village. Curious
and adventurous, she secretly saves money to ride it alone. During the journey, she observes
life outside—green fields, mountains, and bustling markets—feeling proud of her
independence. However, her excitement is dampened when she sees a dead cow on the road,
making her realize the harsh realities of life. Returning home unnoticed, she keeps the
adventure a secret. The story beautifully portrays a child’s innocence, curiosity, and gradual
maturity as she experiences both the thrill and the sorrow of the outside world.

8. The Sermon at Benares

After attaining enlightenment, Buddha delivers his first sermon at Benares. A woman named
Kisa Gotami, grief-stricken by her son’s death, seeks Buddha’s help. He asks her to bring
mustard seeds from a household untouched by death. She realizes that no home is free from
loss. This understanding helps her accept mortality. Buddha teaches that death is universal,
attachment causes suffering, and peace comes from overcoming desires. The lesson imparts
timeless wisdom about life’s impermanence, preparing us to face grief with calmness and
understanding, while embracing compassion and detachment as pathways to spiritual
growth and inner peace.

Footprint without feet

1. A Triumph of Surgery – James Herriot
Dr. Herriot narrates how Tricki, an overfed dog, becomes fat and unhealthy due to his
mistress Mrs. Pumphrey’s overindulgence. Tricki is taken to the veterinary hospital where he
is given no food except water for a few days and later fed proper meals. With exercise and
companionship of other dogs, Tricki regains his health quickly. Mrs. Pumphrey, unaware of
the treatment, believes it a miracle and showers gratitude on Dr. Herriot. The story highlights
the dangers of pampering pets and stresses the importance of balanced food, exercise, and
discipline for good health and well-being.

2. The Thief’s Story – Ruskin Bond

The story is about a 15-year-old thief who meets Anil, a kind and trusting writer. Anil hires
him to cook and stay with him, promising to teach him to read and write. The boy plans to rob
Anil and eventually steals ₹600. However, guilt and affection for Anil make him return. Anil,
who had noticed, chooses not to scold him but offers kindness and education instead. The
story emphasizes that love, trust, and education can reform even a criminal. It shows how a
generous heart can transform people more effectively than punishment or harshness.

3. Footprints Without Feet – H.G. Wells

This science-fiction story revolves around Griffin, a brilliant but lawless scientist who invents
a way to become invisible. Misusing his discovery, he indulges in theft, burglary, and terror.
He first robs a clergyman, then hides at an inn, and later threatens villagers when they try to
catch him. His invisibility gives him power but not peace, as society refuses to accept his
immoral actions. Griffin ultimately becomes a hunted criminal. The story highlights how
science, if misused without morality, becomes dangerous. Human values and ethics are more
important than scientific achievement.

4. The Making of a Scientist – Robert W. Peterson

The biography of Richard Ebright shows how a curious boy became a renowned scientist. As
a child, he collected butterflies and stargazed. Encouraged by his mother, he read books like
The Travels of Monarch X, which inspired him to study the migration of monarch butterflies.
His research projects won him prizes and recognition. With hard work, curiosity, and a
questioning mind, he grew into a successful scientist. The lesson conveys that constant
learning, perseverance, curiosity, and dedication are the foundations of true success in life
and science.

5. The Necklace – Guy de Maupassant

Mathilde Loisel, a beautiful but dissatisfied woman, longs for luxury and wealth. When she
borrows a necklace to attend a ball, she feels fulfilled. Unfortunately, she loses it and, with
her husband, spends ten years repaying the huge debt for a replacement. Later, she
discovers that the necklace was fake, worth almost nothing. The irony devastates her life.
The story highlights how vanity, pride, and desire for material possessions lead to suffering.
It also emphasizes honesty, contentment, and valuing what one has rather than longing for
false appearances.

6. Bholi – K.A. Abbas

Bholi, a simple village girl, suffers from pockmarks and stammering, making her neglected
and ridiculed. When sent to school, a kind teacher encourages and motivates her. Later, her
greedy parents fix her marriage with an old, lame man, who demands dowry. Bholi bravely
refuses the marriage, standing up for her dignity. She chooses to serve her parents and
teach at school instead. The story celebrates women’s empowerment, self-respect, and
education. It shows how confidence and encouragement can transform even the most
neglected person into a courageous individual.

7. The Book That Saved the Earth – Claire Boiko

This humorous play is set in the 25th century, where Martians plan to invade Earth. The
invasion is stopped because they misunderstand a simple nursery rhyme book. Thinking it
reveals Earth’s secret strategies, they retreat in fear. The play humorously shows the power
of books and knowledge. It also suggests that miscommunication and ignorance can create
fear, while literature carries wisdom. The story conveys that books not only entertain but also
save civilizations, symbolizing the importance of education, imagination, and culture for
humanity’s progress and safety.