When We Flew Away
What’s inside...
Bestselling author Alice Hoffman delivers a stunning novel about one of contemporary history's most acclaimed figures, exploring the little-known details of Anne Frank's life before she went into hiding.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
11-14
Length
304 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How do you think the characters felt when they flew away on their adventure?
What would you pack in your suitcase if you could fly away to anywhere?
Why do you think the characters chose that specific place to fly away to?
What did you learn from the characters' experiences and adventures in the story?
If you could add another part to the story, what would happen next?
Tip: Role play these questions
While discussing the book, relate the story to your child's personal experiences to make the conversation more relevant.
Encourage your child to imagine and describe their own fantastical journey, inspired by the book, to foster creativity.
Ask your child to draw or act out their favorite part of the book; this can help deepen their connection to the story.
Link the themes or lessons from the book to real-life examples, which can help your child understand and apply them better.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Empathy and Understanding
Explanation: In 'When We Flew Away', the characters face challenges and embrace each other's differences, fostering a sense of empathy.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to understand and value the feelings and perspectives of others, which is crucial for building positive relationships.
Example Lesson: Resilience
Explanation: The book showcases characters who overcome difficulties, teaching resilience through their adventures.
Real-World Application: This can inspire children to face their own challenges with courage, knowing they can overcome obstacles with persistence.
Example Lesson: Teamwork
Explanation: Throughout the story, characters work together to solve problems, emphasizing the importance of teamwork.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by collaborating with their peers in school projects or playing sports, learning that collective efforts often lead to success.
Example Lesson: Creativity and Imagination
Explanation: The fantastical elements of 'When We Flew Away' encourage the use of imagination, highlighting the role of creativity in problem-solving.
Real-World Application: This lesson will help children approach their real-world issues with inventive solutions, fostering creative thinking skills.
Example Lesson: Respect for Diversity
Explanation: Characters from various backgrounds come together, teaching respect for diversity.
Real-World Application: This lesson will help children appreciate cultural differences and promote inclusivity in their interactions.