Cecile: Gates of Gold (Girls of Many Lands)
Girls Of Many Lands Series
What’s inside...
In 1711, twelve-year-old Cécile Revel unexpectedly gets the chance to serve Louis XIV's sister-in-law at the palace of Versailles, but instead of a dream come true, life at court proves to be complicated and precarious.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
9-12
Length
194 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
Why do you think Cecile was so determined to find her father? How would you feel in her situation?
What are the most significant challenges Cecile faced, and how did she overcome them?
How did the setting of Paris in the 1700s influence Cecile’s story?
Cecile meets many different people on her journey. Who was your favorite character, and why?
What did you learn about bravery and perseverance from Cecile’s adventures?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to put themselves in Cecile's shoes, imagining how they would navigate the challenges she faced. Discuss the historical context of the story to enhance their understanding of Cecile's world. Share your thoughts and feelings about the book, fostering an open dialogue that values both your child's and your insights.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Resilience in the face of adversity
Explanation: Cecile, the protagonist, faces numerous challenges including family expectations and social constraints. She demonstrates resilience by navigating these hurdles with courage and determination.
Real-World Application: Children learn to persist through their own challenges, whether it’s dealing with school pressures or societal expectations, mirroring Cecile's resilience.
Example Lesson: Importance of self-discovery
Explanation: Throughout the narrative, Cecile embarks on a journey of self-discovery, learning about her strengths and capabilities, helping her to find her place in the world.
Real-World Application: This lesson encourages children to explore their own interests and talents, fostering a sense of self-awareness and confidence.
Example Lesson: Empathy and cultural understanding
Explanation: Cecile interacts with characters from diverse backgrounds, which provides her a deeper understanding of different cultures and circumstances.
Real-World Application: Children reading this book can learn to appreciate and respect cultural differences, promoting empathy and social harmony in their everyday interactions.
Example Lesson: Critical thinking and decision making
Explanation: Cecile often finds herself in situations where she must make tough decisions, utilizing her critical thinking skills to choose wisely.
Real-World Application: This story can help children understand the importance of thoughtful decision-making and encourage them to think critically about the choices they make daily.
Example Lesson: The role of friendship and support networks
Explanation: Throughout her journey, Cecile relies on friendships and alliances that she forms along the way, learning the value of support systems in overcoming life’s obstacles.
Real-World Application: It teaches children the importance of building and maintaining friendships, and how reaching out for help can provide strength in difficult times.