Άπαντα
#1 of 2 in The Lizzie And Belle Mysteries Series
What’s inside...
A thrilling middle grade mystery series set in eighteenth-century London, inspired by real Black British historical figures. Twelve-year-olds Lizzie Sancho and Dido Belle, from different social backgrounds, meet at the Drury Lane theatre and bond over their love of solving mysteries. Together, they find themselves on the trail of a mystery that could lead to murder, all while navigating the historical backdrop of Hamilton-style fun and Bridgerton fashion. The early decades of the twentieth century were particularly chaotic in Greece, but gave rise to the major work of Kostas Karyotakis (1896-1928), a poet known for his lush, precise, tragic, and ironic poetry. Karyotakis fits uneasily into categorizations, often being labeled as post-Romantic, symbolist, modernist, or even a precursor to post-modernism. His poetry transcends the personal and political confines of his time, acting as an involuntary response to the surrounding chaos, and echoing the sentiment that humans are like 'battered guitars' that produce verse when the wind of life blows over them.
Discussion points
What emotions do you think the characters were feeling throughout the story?
How would you have reacted in a similar situation as the main character?
What do you think the main message of the story is?
Can you think of a time when you felt similar to a character in the book?
Tip: Role play these questions
Utilize pauses after each question to allow your child to fully process and think about their responses.
Show genuine interest in their answers by asking follow-up questions or sharing related personal experiences.
Encourage your child to relate the characters or situations in the book to real-life events or their own experiences to deepen understanding.
Praise your child’s responses to boost their confidence and engage them further in the conversation.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Resilience in adversity
Explanation: Karyotakis's poetry often reflects themes of melancholy and existential despair, yet also subtly emphasizes the strength found in enduring life's challenges.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to face their own challenges at school or with friends by understanding that feeling sad or troubled is a part of life, and that courage can be found in facing these feelings directly.
Example Lesson: Empathy towards others
Explanation: The poignant emotional depth of Karyotakis’s work enables readers to connect with the universal feelings of loneliness and longing, fostering a deep sense of empathy.
Real-World Application: This can inspire children to be more attuned to the emotions of others around them, promoting kindness and understanding in their interactions.
Example Lesson: Appreciation for nature
Explanation: Karyotakis's poems often include vivid imagery of the natural world, which highlights the beauty and tranquility of nature amidst human sorrow.
Real-World Application: Children can be encouraged to observe and appreciate their natural surroundings, fostering a lifelong respect and care for the environment.