Ivy Aberdeen's Letter to the World
on Goodreads (7,763)
What’s inside...
The story follows a girl named Ivy Aberdeen who must wrestle with her identity and her place in the world after a tornado destroys her home and her secret notebook filled with sketches of girls holding hands mysteriously goes missing. In the wake of the tornado, Ivy Aberdeen develops feelings for another girl in this stunning, tender novel about emerging identity, perfect for fans of LGBTQ+ themes and coming-of-age narratives.
Age
8-12
Length
309 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Ivy Aberdeen
June
Taryn Aberdeen
Discussion points
How do you think Ivy felt when she lost her drawings, and why do you think they were so important to her?
Ivy experiences many changes throughout the book. Can you think of a time when you had to adjust to a big change? How did you feel?
The theme of self-discovery is central in Ivy's story. What are some ways that Ivy learns about herself?
Ivy finds support through her friendships. How important do you think friends are when you're going through tough times?
Why do you think Ivy chose to express her feelings through art? What are some ways you like to express your feelings?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage empathy by asking your child how they would feel in Ivy’s situation, fostering a deeper understanding of the character's emotions.
Discuss the importance of art as a form of expression and ask your child about their favorite way to express themselves.
Highlight the value of friendship in the book and encourage your child to share stories about their own friendships and how they support each other.
Link themes of the book to real-life situations that your child might encounter to help them relate to the story and its characters.
Reassure your child that everyone faces challenges and that it's okay to feel overwhelmed at times, just like Ivy.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Self-acceptance
Explanation: Ivy Aberdeen grapples with her identity and feelings, ultimately learning to accept herself as she is.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to value and accept their unique qualities, fostering self-esteem and confidence in their own identity.
Example Lesson: Empathy
Explanation: Throughout the story, Ivy experiences complex emotions and challenges, teaching readers about understanding and empathy.
Real-World Application: This lesson encourages children to be considerate and understanding towards the feelings and struggles of others in their daily interactions.
Example Lesson: Resilience in adversity
Explanation: Ivy faces personal losses and challenges but learns to cope and adapt, demonstrating resilience.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to remain strong and resilient when facing difficulties or changes in life, such as moving to a new school or dealing with family issues.
Example Lesson: Importance of communication
Explanation: The protagonist's journey highlights the importance of expressing oneself and having open communications with family and friends.
Real-World Application: This can motivate children to share their thoughts and feelings with others, enhancing their communication skills and emotional intelligence.
Example Lesson: Accepting change
Explanation: Ivy's life changes drastically after a family tragedy, and she learns to accept and adapt to these changes.
Real-World Application: Children can understand that change is a part of life and learning to accept it can lead to personal growth and new opportunities.