Magnolia Flower
illustrations by
on Goodreads (676)
What’s inside...
From beloved African American folklorist Zora Neale Hurston comes a moving adaptation by National Book Award winner and #1 New York Times bestselling author Ibram X. Kendi, titled Magnolia Flower. The story follows a young Afro Indigenous girl, Magnolia Flower, who longs for freedom amidst her heritage of parents who fled slavery and the Trail of Tears. With a spirit not deterred by the rigid ways of the world, she seeks connections with others who cherish freedom as well. Her journey is one of bravery, love, and radical devotion, beautifully illustrated by Loveis Wise. This adaptation retells Hurston's original 1925 folktale with poetic prose and a deep appreciation for the shared history and culture among Indigenous and Black people in America.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
4-8
Length
40 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think Magnolia Flower felt when she faced challenges? How would you feel in her situation?
Magnolia Flower shows strength in many ways. Can you think of a time when you had to be strong?
How do the characters in the book show love and support to each other? Why is this important?
What lessons do you think Magnolia Flower learned by the end of the story? What did you learn from her?
If you could ask Magnolia Flower one question, what would it be?
Tip: Role play these questions
Highlight key moments in the story where Magnolia shows resilience or kindness, and relate them to real-life scenarios your child might face.
Discuss the setting and cultural background of Magnolia Flower. Encourage your child to compare it with their own surroundings and identify both similarities and differences.
Use empathetic listening when discussing the characters' feelings and decisions. This shows your child that their thoughts and opinions are valued.
After reading the book, ask your child to draw their favorite scene or character, and explain why they chose that particular part of the story.
Encourage your child to think about how they would end the story differently, or what they think happens next. This can help develop their creative thinking and storytelling skills.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Empathy and Understanding
Explanation: The story of 'Magnolia Flower' explores themes of friendship and understanding between diverse characters, showcasing how differences can be embraced.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to appreciate and embrace individual differences amongst their peers, fostering a more inclusive environment.
Example Lesson: Resilience
Explanation: Magnolia Flower faces numerous challenges throughout the story, demonstrating perseverance and resilience in overcoming them.
Real-World Application: This can inspire children to develop a resilient mindset, helping them to tackle obstacles and setbacks in their own lives with a positive attitude.
Example Lesson: Importance of Nature
Explanation: The book vividly describes the natural world surrounding Magnolia Flower, emphasizing the beauty and importance of nature.
Real-World Application: Children can be encouraged to explore and connect with nature, promoting ecological awareness and responsibility from a young age.
Example Lesson: Value of Creativity
Explanation: Magnolia Flower uses her imagination and creativity to solve problems and make her world a better place.
Real-World Application: This lesson underscores the importance of creativity in problem-solving and can motivate children to use their creativity to approach challenges in innovative ways.