Lydia, Queen of Palestine (Puffin Book)
What’s inside...
Ten-year-old Lydia describes her childhood escapades in pre-World War II Romania, her struggles to understand her parents' divorce amid the chaos of the war, and her life on a kibuzz in Palestine. Based on the life of the Israeli poet Arianna Haran, this story, translated from Hebrew, provides a poignant look into the life of a self-described 'holy terror,' a Romanian girl in Bucharest, who uses her imagination to cope with significant life changes including her parents' divorce and her relocation to a kibbutz in Palestine.
Age
9-12
Length
170 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Lydia
Discussion points
How do you think Lydia felt when she had to leave her home? Can you think of a time when you felt the same way?
Why do you think Lydia wanted to help other people, despite her own struggles?
What does the story tell us about the importance of friendship and community in overcoming challenges?
How did Lydia change from the beginning of the book to the end?
If you were in Lydia's situation, what would you have done differently?
Tip: Role play these questions
Allow your child to express their feelings about the story before asking questions; it sets a foundation for open discussion.
Highlight the emotions of the protagonist, Lydia, and compare them with real-life scenarios to help your child relate to the character.
Encourage your child to think about the moral lessons Lydia's actions teach and how they can apply these lessons to their own life.
Discuss the historical and cultural setting of the story to enhance understanding of the character's challenges and decisions.
Celebrate the resilience and resourcefulness shown by Lydia, reinforcing these as positive traits for personal development.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Resilience in the face of adversity
Explanation: Lydia demonstrates resilience as she adapts to life in a new country under challenging circumstances.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to embrace change and overcome obstacles, building confidence and adaptability in their own lives.
Example Lesson: Importance of cultural heritage
Explanation: Throughout the story, Lydia maintains a strong connection to her roots and cultural practices, despite being far from her homeland.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to explore and take pride in their own heritage and understand the diversity of cultures around them.
Example Lesson: Empathy and understanding
Explanation: Lydia encounters various characters with different backgrounds and stories, teaching her to be empathetic and understanding.
Real-World Application: This can help children develop compassion and improve their interpersonal relationships by understanding different perspectives.
Example Lesson: Courage to stand up for oneself
Explanation: Lydia often stands up for herself and others in difficult situations, showing bravery.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of advocating for themselves and others, reinforcing the concept of fairness and justice in their interactions.
Example Lesson: Value of education
Explanation: Throughout her journey, Lydia values her education highly, which provides her opportunities and personal growth.
Real-World Application: This highlights the significance of education in personal development, encouraging children to pursue learning with enthusiasm and dedication.