In France
Young Explorers S. Series
on Goodreads (15)
What’s inside...
Federico Valenzuela, a Los Angeles native, feels trapped in his mundane life until he learns about a study abroad program in Europe. Seizing the opportunity, he travels to France where he embarks on a transformative journey. In Paris, Federico explores his identity, sexuality, and discovers the inner truths of his heart. Through his experiences, he learns important life lessons about choices, self-reliance, and self-love, ultimately finding meaning and purpose in existence.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
13-18
Length
184 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What did you learn about the French culture from the book?
Can you describe a typical day for a child in France based on the story?
What similarities and differences do you see between your life and the life of the children in the book?
How did reading about France make you feel? Would you like to visit there someday?
What French words did you learn from the book, and what do they mean?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use a map or globe to locate France with your child to provide geographical context before or after reading.
Encourage your child to draw their favorite scene or character from the book to deepen their connection with the story.
Discuss personal experiences related to the French culture if applicable, or explore more about French cuisine or music together.
Help your child make a list of questions they have about France and explore the answers together online or in other books.
Create a French-themed reading nook with related books, pictures, and maybe even some French music in the background to enrich the experience.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Cultural Appreciation
Explanation: In 'In France,' the main character explores various regions of France, learning about the diverse cultures, languages, and traditions.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to appreciate and respect diverse cultures they encounter in their community or school, fostering empathy and global awareness.
Example Lesson: Adaptability
Explanation: Throughout the book, the protagonist faces challenges in new environments but learns to adapt by trying new foods, learning basic phrases, and making new friends.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to be open to new experiences, whether it’s trying a new food at home, or making a new friend at school.
Example Lesson: Curiosity and Learning
Explanation: The storyline encourages exploration and learning, as the character is constantly asking questions and seeking to learn more about the places and people around him.
Real-World Application: This can inspire children to ask more questions and be inquisitive about the world around them, enhancing their learning and understanding.
Example Lesson: Geographical Knowledge
Explanation: The book provides detailed descriptions of different French landmarks and landscapes, educating about geography in an engaging way.
Real-World Application: This can spark an interest in geography and encourage children to learn more about different countries, promoting educational development through reading.
Example Lesson: Value of Experience Over Materialism
Explanation: The book emphasizes experiences, such as exploring new places and meeting people, over acquiring material goods.
Real-World Application: This can teach children to value what they do and learn rather than what they own, leading to a more fulfilling and less materialistic approach to life.