The Apartment House on Poppy Hill: Book 1 (Apartment House on Poppy Hill, 1)
#1 of 2 in Apartment House On Poppy Hill Series
What’s inside...
In '1106 Wildflower Place,' bestselling author Nina LaCour crafts a heartwarming chapter book about the power of community, friendship, and home. Nine-year-old Ella, a resident of the quirky apartment building, helps two new tenants navigate their new surroundings, from glitchy lights to nighttime noises. As she introduces them to the diverse and inclusive group of neighbors, the allure of the mysterious Robinsons who live on the top floor grows. A special neighborhood celebration might just bring everyone together. The book combines the eccentric joy of 'Tales of The City' with the fun of 'Ivy + Bean,' the family tenderness of 'The Penderwicks,' and the adventure of 'Eloise.' With a cast drawn from LaCour's walks through San Francisco during Covid-19 and inspired by real encounters, this chapter book is perfect for young readers who appreciate humor and heart in their stories.
Discussion points
What feelings did you experience as you read about the characters in the apartment house?
How do the different characters in the story show kindness or help each other?
What would you do if you were a character in this book?
How do you think the setting of Poppy Hill influences the story?
What lessons can we learn about friendship and community from the characters?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use expressive reading to bring the characters and setting to life, making the story more engaging for your child.
After reading a chapter, pause and ask your child to predict what might happen next, helping them think critically about the storyline.
Relate the challenges or situations the characters face to your child’s own experiences, fostering a deeper personal connection to the story.
Encourage your child to draw a scene or a character from the book, which can spark discussion about their understanding and interpretation of the story.
Discuss the moral lessons in the story and how they can be applied in everyday life, reinforcing the values taught in the book.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Empathy and Understanding
Explanation: The story portrays characters who come from diverse backgrounds and experiences, fostering a sense of empathy and understanding as they interact and form relationships.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by learning to appreciate the differences in others and understanding varying perspectives, which can enhance their social interactions at school and beyond.
Example Lesson: Importance of Community
Explanation: The book highlights the support and warmth found within the apartment community on Poppy Hill, demonstrating how neighbors can act like a family.
Real-World Application: Kids can learn to value and contribute to their own communities, whether it's in their neighborhood, school, or extracurricular clubs, creating a supportive network.
Example Lesson: Resilience in the Face of Challenges
Explanation: Characters in the book face personal and collective challenges, yet they show resilience by supporting each other and finding solutions together.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the importance of perseverance and teamwork in overcoming obstacles, applicable in their studies, sports, and personal goals.