The Summer of Lost Letters
#1 in Golden Doors Series
on Goodreads (4,932)
What’s inside...
A summery romance set in Nantucket that follows seventeen-year-old Abby Schoenberg as she uncovers a secret about her grandmother's life during WWII. Abby Schoenberg isn't exactly looking forward to the summer before her senior year. After breaking up with her first boyfriend and with her friends away, she seeks an adventure of her own when she discovers love letters among her late grandmother's possessions. The letters, from a man named Edward, lead Abby to Nantucket to learn more about her grandmother's past. As she meets Edward's grandson, Noah, and grows closer to him, they confront the secrets and burdens of their family histories while envisioning their futures.
Discussion points
What do you think motivated Phoebe to embark on her journey to uncover her grandmother's past?
How do the letters in the story help Phoebe connect with her family history? Can you think of an item that connects you with your family's past?
What changes do you notice in Phoebe's character from the beginning to the end of the book? What do you think prompted these changes?
How do the settings in the book, like the island and the antique shop, enhance the story? Which setting was your favorite and why?
What lessons about love and family do you think the story tries to convey? How do these themes relate to your own life experiences?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start by sharing a personal story from your family's history to make the connection more relatable.
Encourage your child to imagine themselves in Phoebe’s place, prompting them to consider how they would feel discovering secrets about their family.
Discuss the importance of preserving memories and create a small project to do together, like a family scrapbook or a time capsule.
After each reading session, ask your child which part of the book was the most memorable and why, to encourage them to think critically about the story.
Connect the themes of the book to real-world examples and discussions about family, friendship, and the importance of communication.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of exploring personal history
Explanation: In the story, the protagonist, Phoebe, embarks on a journey to uncover the secrets of her grandmother's past through old letters. This exploration reveals much about her family's history and her own identity.
Real-World Application: Children can be encouraged to learn more about their own family histories, asking questions and showing interest in stories from older relatives, which helps strengthen family bonds and a sense of identity.
Example Lesson: Resilience in the face of challenges
Explanation: As Phoebe digs deeper into the lost letters, she faces various challenges but persists in her quest. Her resilience in uncovering the truth about her grandmother's past is a central theme.
Real-World Application: This can inspire children to persevere through their own difficulties, whether they're academic challenges or personal obstacles, understanding that persistence is key to overcoming them.
Example Lesson: The value of emotional expression
Explanation: Through Hannah Reynolds' narrative, Phoebe learns to express her emotions effectively as she navigates the complexities of newfound truths and relationships.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of expressing their feelings and communicating openly with others, which is crucial in building healthy relationships and emotional intelligence.
Example Lesson: Understanding and empathy
Explanation: The journey in ‘The Summer of Lost Letters’ not only reveals historical truths but also the emotional states of different characters, fostering a sense of empathy and understanding in Phoebe.
Real-World Application: This underscores the importance of empathy in real life, teaching children to be considerate of others' feelings and perspectives, leading to more harmonious interactions.