Lei and the Fire Goddess
#1 in Lei and the Legends Series
on Goodreads (658)
What’s inside...
12-year-old Lei is forced to spend summers in Hawaiʻi with her grandma who is determined to make sure she knows all her family's moʻolelo—stories the kids back home donʻt care about or believe. But after insulting Pele, the Goddess of Fire, she learns just how real these legends are when the goddess takes her best friend and places a curse on her family—one that only Lei can lift.
Discussion points
How do you think Lei felt when she met the Fire Goddess for the first time?
What would you have done if you were in Lei's place during her adventure?
What do you think is the most important lesson Lei learned on her journey?
How do you think the Fire Goddess helps the people in the story?
If you had a chance to ask the Fire Goddess one question, what would it be?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to put themselves in Lei's shoes while discussing the questions, fostering empathy and understanding.
Use open-ended questions to facilitate a deeper discussion about the story's themes and characters.
Highlight the cultural aspects of the story to enrich your child’s understanding and appreciation of different traditions.
Discuss the moral lessons in the story and relate them to your child’s everyday life to reinforce these values.
Encourage your child to imagine additional adventures for Lei, stimulating creativity and narrative skills.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Courage in the face of adversity
Explanation: Lei shows bravery as she confronts the Fire Goddess to save her village, demonstrating that courage is about facing fears for the greater good.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of being brave when they face difficult situations at school or in their community, helping them to stand up for themselves and others.
Example Lesson: Problem-solving through teamwork
Explanation: Lei collaborates with villagers and mythical creatures to find a solution to appease the Fire Goddess, highlighting the power of working together to resolve challenges.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to seek help and collaborate with peers in group projects or during play, enhancing their cooperative skills and ability to work in a team.
Example Lesson: Respect for nature
Explanation: The story emphasizes the need to respect and protect natural resources, as Lei learns about the consequences of disturbing natural balances.
Real-World Application: Children are inspired to participate in environmental conservation efforts like recycling or planting trees, teaching them the value of environmental stewardship from a young age.
Example Lesson: Cultural appreciation
Explanation: Through Lei’s journey, readers are introduced to cultural myths and the importance of traditions, fostering a respect for diverse cultures.
Real-World Application: This lesson helps children appreciate and celebrate different cultural backgrounds in their schools and communities, promoting inclusivity and diversity awareness.
Example Lesson: Perseverance through challenges
Explanation: Lei’s persistent efforts to communicate and understand the Fire Goddess teach the value of perseverance, even when solutions aren’t immediately apparent.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the importance of not giving up when faced with difficult homework or personal challenges, encouraging them to keep trying until they succeed.