Black Bird, Blue Road
on Goodreads (712)
What’s inside...
In this historical fantasy novel from Sydney Taylor Honor winner and National Jewish Book Award finalist Sofiya Pasternack, a girl named Ziva is determined to save her twin brother, Pesah, from his leprosy illness. To protect him from the Angel of Death, who is predicted to come for him on Rosh Hashanah, Ziva takes her brother and runs away in search of a cure. Along their journey, they accidentally free a half-demon boy who offers to lead them to the city of Luz, where no one ever dies. They face a race against time, trying to reach Luz before the Angel of Death can reach Pesah.
Age
8-12
Length
320 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How do you think the main character felt when faced with challenges, and what would you do in their situation?
What do you think the blue road symbolizes in the story?
Can you think of a time when you had to overcome a difficult obstacle? What helped you through it?
How do the friendships in the book change or grow throughout the story?
What is one thing you learned from the story that you can apply to your own life?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their feelings and thoughts about the characters' decisions and outcomes. Use open-ended questions to help them connect personally with the story. Discuss the symbolic elements, like the blue road, to foster deeper understanding and critical thinking. Relate the characters' experiences to real-life situations your child may face to make the story more relevant and impactful.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Resilience through adversity
Explanation: The main characters in 'Black Bird, Blue Road' face significant challenges on their journey, teaching children the value of perseverance and resilience in difficult times.
Real-World Application: Children learn to face school or social challenges with determination and a positive outlook, knowing that they can overcome obstacles.
Example Lesson: The importance of family support
Explanation: Throughout the story, the siblings rely on each other’s support to navigate their journey. This highlights the importance of having a supportive family network.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to appreciate and lean on family during tough times or when facing new challenges.
Example Lesson: Empathy for others
Explanation: As the siblings encounter various characters with different backgrounds and struggles, it teaches children to understand and share the feelings of others.
Real-World Application: This lesson helps children develop social skills and be compassionate towards their peers, fostering a supportive and understanding community.
Example Lesson: Courage to face the unknown
Explanation: The protagonists venture into unknown territories and face unforeseen challenges bravely, showing the importance of courage when stepping out of one’s comfort zone.
Real-World Application: This can inspire children to try new activities or make new friends, knowing that bravery can lead to rewarding experiences.