A Girls' Guide to the Islands (Gemma Open Door)
Gemma Open Door Series
on Goodreads (18)
What’s inside...
The American writer Suzanne Kamata, who has lived in Japan for over half her life, embarks on an adventure to explore the nearby islands of the Inland Sea with her daughter, Lilia. The islands are renowned for their unique artwork by international artists, including Naoshima's museums and Yayoi Kusama's polka dot pumpkins. Despite the challenges of accessibility due to Lilia being deaf and using a wheelchair, and the cultural and generational differences they face, Kamata is determined to share the artistic wonders of the islands with her daughter. 'A Girls' Guide to the Islands' offers a glimpse into their unique and inspiring journey.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
13-17
Length
108 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Suzanne Kamata
Liliath
Discussion points
What similarities and differences do you notice between your daily life and the lives of the characters in the islands?
How do the characters' adventures make you feel about exploring new places?
What can we learn about friendship and understanding from the interactions among the characters?
Why do you think the author chose an island as the setting for the story?
How would you help a friend who was in a situation like one of the characters in the book?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start the conversation by sharing your own thoughts on the book’s themes, such as exploration or friendship, to encourage open dialogue.
Ask your child to draw or describe their favorite scene, using it as a springboard to discuss the book’s deeper meanings.
Encourage your child to think about how they would react to the situations presented in the book, fostering empathy and critical thinking.
Connect discussions to personal experiences, whether it's a similar situation or emotion, to make the themes more relatable and impactful.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Cultural Appreciation
Explanation: The book delves into the unique cultural experiences of the protagonist and her daughter as they explore Japanese islands, providing insights into local customs, foods, and traditions.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to respect and appreciate diverse cultures, fostering open-mindedness and curiosity about the world around them.
Example Lesson: Mother-Daughter Bonding
Explanation: Through their shared adventures, the story highlights the strengthening of the relationship between the mother and her daughter, showcasing mutual support and understanding.
Real-World Application: This can encourage children to value and nurture relationships with their parents or guardians, understanding the importance of family bonds.
Example Lesson: Overcoming Physical Challenges
Explanation: The daughter in the story has a hearing disability, yet the narrative focuses on her ability to enjoy and explore new places, emphasizing her capabilities rather than limitations.
Real-World Application: Children can learn the importance of resilience and self-confidence in overcoming personal challenges and recognizing their own strengths.
Example Lesson: Curiosity and Exploration
Explanation: As the characters travel to different islands, their keen interest in discovering new places and experiences is evident, which fuels the story's adventurous spirit.
Real-World Application: This lesson can inspire children to be curious and adventurous, encouraging them to learn and explore new environments and ideas.
Example Lesson: Environmental Awareness
Explanation: Throughout their travels, the book subtly sheds light on the natural beauty of the islands and the need to respect and preserve these environments.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to be mindful of the environment and learn the importance of conservation and respect for nature.