Islandborn
What’s inside...
From New York Times bestseller and Pulitzer Prize winner Junot Dìaz comes a debut picture book about the magic of memory and the infinite power of the imagination. A 2019 Pura Belpré Honor Book for Illustration. Every kid in Lola's school was from somewhere else, a school of faraway places. When Lola's teacher asks the students to draw a picture of where their families immigrated from, all the kids are excited, except Lola, who can't remember The Island as she left when she was just a baby. However, with the help of her family and friends' joyous, fantastical, heartbreaking, and frightening memories, Lola's imagination embarks on an extraordinary journey back to The Island. Drawing closer to her family's story, Lola understands her abuela's words: 'Just because you don't remember a place doesn't mean it's not in you.' The book is gloriously illustrated and lyrically written, celebrating creativity, diversity, and the boundless ability of imagination to connect us to our families, past, and ourselves.
Age
2-8
Length
48 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Lola
Ms. Obi
Discussion points
What did Lola discover about her island? How does her journey help you understand your own heritage?
How do the illustrations add to the story? What emotions do you feel when you look at the colorful pictures?
Why is it important to remember where you come from? How does this shape who you are today?
What role do the other characters play in helping Lola learn about her island? Can you think of people in your life who help you learn about your heritage?
If you could talk to anyone from your past, like Lola did, who would it be and what would you ask?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their thoughts and feelings about the book, validating their responses to foster a deeper understanding.
Draw parallels between Lola’s story and your family's history. Share stories about your own cultural background to make the connection more tangible.
Use the vibrant illustrations in the book as conversation starters, discussing the significance of colors and imagery.
While discussing the book, incorporate artifacts or pictures from your own heritage to make the session interactive and visually engaging.
Promote empathy by discussing the diversity of cultures and the importance of respecting all backgrounds.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Embracing cultural diversity
Explanation: In 'Islandborn', the protagonist Lola learns about her heritage and the diverse cultures of her classmates. This helps children understand the value of different backgrounds and histories.
Real-World Application: Children can appreciate and respect their peers' different cultural backgrounds, fostering inclusivity and understanding in everyday interactions.
Example Lesson: Importance of memory and history
Explanation: Lola gathers stories about the island where she was born, emphasizing the significance of community history and personal memories in shaping identities.
Real-World Application: Children can be encouraged to explore their family histories and learn from the experiences of older generations, enhancing their sense of identity and belonging.
Example Lesson: Using creativity to overcome limitations
Explanation: Unable to remember her birthplace, Lola uses her imagination and creativity to visualize it based on others’ stories, showing how creativity can bridge gaps in knowledge.
Real-World Application: Children can use creative thinking to solve problems and overcome obstacles in their learning and daily activities.
Example Lesson: Value of storytelling
Explanation: The book showcases how Lola learns about her culture through stories told by her community, highlighting the educational and bonding power of storytelling.
Real-World Application: Children can be encouraged to share and listen to stories within their family or peer groups, improving their communication skills and emotional understanding.
Example Lesson: Strength in community
Explanation: Lola relies on her community to piece together her past, demonstrating that communities are a source of strength and knowledge.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to value and participate in their communities, understanding that communal support is invaluable for personal growth and collective well-being.