Home is Beyond the Mountains
What’s inside...
When the Turkish army invades northwestern Persia in 1918, nine-year-old Samira and her family are forced to flee their village. After a grueling journey where only Samira and her brother survive, they face life in various refugee camps before ending up in an orphanage. The arrival of a new director, Susan Shedd, brings hope as she plans to take all the orphans back to their villages. Samira joins three hundred other orphans on a challenging 300-mile march through the mountains toward the possibility of a new life. The book was a finalist for the IODE Violet Downey Book Award.
Age
9-12
Length
226 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Samira
Discussion points
What do you think home means to the characters in the story?
How did the characters' journey change them by the end of the book?
Why do you think it's important for the characters to have supportive friends and family during their journey?
What was the hardest challenge the characters faced, and how did they overcome it?
If you were in the story, what would you have done differently?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use pauses after each question to give your child time to think and encourage them to ask questions of their own.
Relate the story to your child’s experiences by discussing any moves or big changes they have encountered in their own life.
Highlight the resilience and determination of the characters to inspire similar qualities in your child.
Discuss the cultural and historical context of the story to deepen your child’s understanding and appreciation of the narrative.
Encourage empathy by asking your child how they think the characters felt during key moments in the book.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Resilience in the face of adversity
Explanation: The protagonist, Samira, demonstrates resilience by overcoming numerous challenges as she guides a group of children back home across war-torn landscapes.
Real-World Application: Children can learn the importance of perseverance and determination when facing their own challenges, whether it be at school, in sports, or in personal relationships.
Example Lesson: Importance of leadership and responsibility
Explanation: Samira takes on a leadership role, showing courage and decision-making skills which are crucial in guiding the group safely.
Real-World Application: This story encourages children to take initiative and be responsible, qualities that are beneficial in group projects and other community or family activities.
Example Lesson: Value of hope and optimism
Explanation: Throughout their journey, Samira maintains hope and a positive outlook, which keeps the group's spirits up and leads them towards their goal.
Real-World Application: Children learn to stay hopeful and positive even in difficult times, helping them to handle stress and encourage others.
Example Lesson: Importance of friendship and teamwork
Explanation: The children in the story learn to work together and support each other, which is vital for their survival and success in reaching their home.
Real-World Application: This lesson highlights the significance of cooperation and being supportive friends in achieving common objectives, whether in sports teams, school projects or family tasks.