The Lost Library: Gay Fiction Rediscovered
What’s inside...
The remarkable true story of a forgotten library book that was returned to Marsh's Library after one hundred years, written by Amanda Bell and illustrated in colour by Alice Durand-Wietzel.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
0-12
Length
64 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think motivated the characters to search for the lost library?
How do the stories within the book show different aspects of human experiences?
Can you relate to any of the characters or situations in the book? Why or why not?
What do you think the library symbolizes in the book?
How do you feel the book addresses the theme of acceptance and understanding?
Tip: Role play these questions
Before starting the discussion, give a brief overview of the book to set the context.
Encourage your child to express their thoughts and feelings about the book, even if they differ from your own.
Use follow-up questions to delve deeper into your child’s responses, fostering a richer conversation.
Connect themes from the book to real-life situations or current events to make the discussion more relatable.
Highlight the importance of understanding and celebrating diversity, as depicted in the stories.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Appreciate diverse perspectives
Explanation: The anthology showcases stories from various gay authors, offering a range of experiences and voices.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to understand and respect people from different backgrounds and lifestyles in their own lives.
Example Lesson: History's relevance to present
Explanation: By rediscovering lost or neglected works of gay fiction, the book highlights the importance of historical context in understanding contemporary issues.
Real-World Application: Teaches children the value of learning history to better comprehend and navigate current social dynamics.
Example Lesson: Empathy through storytelling
Explanation: The stories in the anthology provide deep emotional insights into the characters' lives, fostering a connection with the reader.
Real-World Application: Helps children develop empathy by engaging emotionally with characters that have different life experiences than their own.