Evelyn Del Rey Is Moving Away
What’s inside...
From Newbery Medalist Meg Medina comes the bittersweet story of two girls who will always be each other's número uno, even though one is moving away. Evelyn Del Rey is Daniela's best friend, and they do everything together from playing amid moving boxes to making promises to keep in touch. However, their friendship is tested when Evelyn has to move away. With beautifully written prose by Meg Medina and vibrant illustrations by Sonia Sánchez, this story explores the tender and changing dynamics of friendship. This book has also been recognized by various associations, including being the 2020 Jumpstart Read for the Record Selection and receiving accolades from the American Library Association, Publisher's Weekly, Kirkus Reviews, and the School Library Journal.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
5-7
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How do you think Daniela felt when she found out Evelyn was moving away?
What are some ways Daniela and Evelyn tried to keep their friendship strong?
Why do you think it's important to have a best friend?
Can you think of a time you had to say goodbye to a friend? How did you feel?
What would you do to stay in touch with a friend who moves far away?
Tip: Role play these questions
Show empathy and understanding by sharing a personal story of a time you had to say goodbye to a friend.
Encourage your child to express their feelings about moving or separating from friends and reassure them that it's okay to feel sad.
Ask your child to draw a picture or write a letter to a friend they miss, fostering a connection to the book’s theme of maintaining friendships despite distance.
Discuss the importance of friendship and brainstorm ways to nurture relationships, just like Daniela and Evelyn did with their memory box.
While discussing the book, use expressive facial expressions and tones to mirror the emotions of the characters, enhancing your child's emotional understanding.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Value of Friendship
Explanation: The story revolves around two best friends, Evelyn and Daniela, facing the challenge of Evelyn moving away. Their deep bond is portrayed through shared moments and heartfelt exchanges.
Real-World Application: Children can learn the importance of cherishing friendships and how to maintain them despite physical distances.
Example Lesson: Embracing Change
Explanation: Evelyn's move introduces the concept of change as an inevitable part of life. The story portrays the emotions associated with moving and adapting to new circumstances.
Real-World Application: This teaches children to embrace change positively and helps them understand that change can lead to new experiences and growth.
Example Lesson: Expressing Emotions
Explanation: Both Evelyn and Daniela express sadness about the separation but also share happy memories. Their open expression of feelings models healthy emotional communication.
Real-World Application: Children learn that it’s healthy to express emotions and communicate their feelings, helping in emotional development and building emotional intelligence.
Example Lesson: Resilience
Explanation: Despite her sadness, Daniela finds ways to cope with her friend’s departure, showing resilience in the face of emotional challenges.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to develop resilience and find strength during emotionally tough times, preparing them for inevitable life changes.