Lily's Promise
on Goodreads (151)
What’s inside...
From National Book Award–winning author Kathryn Erskine comes a heartfelt, poignant novel that tackles grief, change, and the struggle to let your voice be heard. Perfect for fans of Lynda Mullaly Hunt, Erin Entrada Kelly, and Ali Benjamin. Shy, eleven-year-old Lily made her dad an important promise before he passed away—that she would “Strive for Five” and speak her mind at least five times. But speaking up one time, let alone five, is easier said than done. It’ll be even harder now that Lily must attend public school for the first time. Fortunately, she meets curling-obsessed Hobart and quiet Dunya at the beginning of sixth grade. Their kindness gives Lily hope that life without Dad might just be bearable. But when Lily and her friends are bullied by Ryan and his mean clique, she quickly discovers the true meaning of friendship and speaking out. Despite the anxiety she feels, Lily knows she needs to stand up for herself and others. And she’ll use the tools her dad gave her to not only keep her final promise but bring her whole school together. Following Lily’s journey and the snarky, insightful, and humorous commentary from Libro, the actual book, who guides readers through this thoughtful tale, makes Lily’s Promise a strong title for social emotional learning.
Age
8-12
Length
288 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Lily Harper
Lily'S Mother
Discussion points
How do you think Lily felt when she made the promise to her father? Can you think of a time you made a promise that was difficult to keep?
Why is it important to speak out about what you believe in, like Lily does in the story?
What changes do you notice in Lily throughout the book? How do her challenges help her grow?
Can you think of a way to help someone who might be feeling like Lily did in the story?
How do you think the story would change if it was set in our hometown today?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use a calm and open tone, encouraging your child to share their thoughts and feelings about the book’s events and characters.
Relate the story’s themes to your child’s personal experiences to make the conversation more relevant and engaging.
Ask follow-up questions based on your child’s responses to dig deeper into their understanding and interpretation of the story.
Acknowledge and validate your child's feelings during the discussion to create a safe and supportive environment.
Encourage empathy by asking your child how they would feel in Lily’s situation and discussing different perspectives presented in the book.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Resilience in the face of adversity
Explanation: Lily faces numerous challenges, including the loss of her father and dealing with her own anxiety. Yet, she learns to navigate her emotions and find strength in her struggles.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by understanding that it's okay to feel overwhelmed at times, and that overcoming obstacles is part of growing up. They learn to cope with their feelings and to persevere despite difficulties.
Example Lesson: Importance of family and support
Explanation: Throughout the story, Lily leans on her family for emotional support, and this helps her to deal with her father's absence. The strong family bonds depicted emphasize the value of having a supportive network.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the significance of family and reaching out for support when needed. Kids can learn to appreciate familial ties and communicate openly with family members during tough times.
Example Lesson: Empathy for others
Explanation: Lily shows empathy towards her friends and even strangers who are going through their own challenges. This empathy helps her to connect with others on a deeper level.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of understanding and sharing the feelings of others. This lesson encourages kids to be mindful of their peers' emotions and to show kindness and consideration in their daily interactions.
Example Lesson: Courage to face one's fears
Explanation: Lily confronts her anxieties and fears head-on, especially when it comes to her performance in school and interactions with friends.
Real-World Application: This lesson can inspire children to tackle their own fears, whether it's speaking in front of the class, trying out for a sports team, or making new friends. It teaches them that facing fears is a part of personal growth.