Anna and the Swallow Man
on Goodreads (8,725)
What’s inside...
Kraków, 1939. Amid the chaos of the Second World War, seven-year-old Anna Łania is left alone after her father, a linguistics professor, is taken by the Germans. She meets the Swallow Man, a mysterious figure skilled in deception and languages. Together, they embark on a perilous journey through war-torn landscapes, evading danger and making unexpected friendships. Their journey reveals life's miraculous possibilities and imparts invaluable lessons, showcasing the profound impact of love and the human spirit in times of war.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
7-13
Length
232 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How do you think Anna feels throughout her journey with the Swallow Man? Can you relate to any of her feelings?
What do you think the Swallow Man represents in the story? Why do you think he chooses to help Anna?
How does the setting of the story affect the characters and their actions? What impact does the war have on their journey?
What lessons do you think Anna learns from her experiences in the story? How do they shape her as a character?
If you were in Anna's situation, what would you have done differently? Why?
Tip: Role play these questions
Before starting the discussion, give a brief overview of the book’s context, focusing on the historical setting of World War II to provide grounding for the themes explored.
Use empathetic listening when your child expresses their thoughts about the book. Acknowledge their feelings and perspectives to make them feel heard and understood.
Encourage your child to think critically by asking them how they would react in similar situations as the characters in the book, fostering a deeper connection with the story.
Highlight the importance of friendship and trust, themes central to Anna and the Swallow Man, to relate the discussion back to your child’s everyday experiences and interactions.
After the conversation, consider watching historical documentaries or visiting a museum to deepen the understanding of the time period in which the story is set.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of trust and forming bonds
Explanation: In 'Anna and the Swallow Man', Anna forms a trusting relationship with the Swallow Man as they journey together, demonstrating the importance of trust in forming meaningful connections.
Real-World Application: Children can learn the value of building trust with family and friends in their daily interactions, understanding that trust forms the foundation of any strong relationship.
Example Lesson: Adaptability and resilience
Explanation: Throughout their journey, Anna and the Swallow Man face various challenges that they overcome by adapting to their circumstances, which showcases resilience in difficult situations.
Real-World Application: This lesson can help children understand the importance of adapting to change and bouncing back from adversities they encounter in life, such as moving to a new place or facing academic challenges.
Example Lesson: The power of curiosity and learning
Explanation: Anna's inquisitive nature leads her to learn many survival skills and understand different aspects of the world around her, emphasizing the benefits of curiosity and continuous learning.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to ask questions and seek knowledge in all areas of their lives, fostering a lifelong love of learning and an understanding of the world.
Example Lesson: Navigating moral complexities
Explanation: The book delves into complex moral decisions made by characters, particularly in challenging times, which can help children understand that sometimes right and wrong are not straightforward.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to think critically about ethical dilemmas and consider multiple perspectives when making decisions, promoting empathy and moral reasoning.