Love & Gelato
#1 of 3 in Love & Gelato Series
on Goodreads (167,869)
What’s inside...
Lina spends the summer in Tuscany to fulfill her mother's dying wish to get to know her father, despite her initial reluctance. While there, Lina discovers her mother's journal detailing a magical world of secret romances, art, and hidden bakeries in Italy. With the help of charming Ren, Lina follows her mother's footsteps and unearths a long-kept secret that changes her understanding of her parents and herself. This journey of self-discovery shows that while people come to Italy for love and gelato, they often find much more. Now a movie streaming on Netflix!
Character compass
Carolina "Lina" Emerson
Lorenzo "Ren" Ferrara
Howard
Thomas
Odette Ferrara
Carolina Emerson
Howard Mercer
Hadley Emerson
Thomas Heath
Francesa Bernardo
Matteo Rossi
Lorenzo Ferrara
Discussion points
How do you think Lina's feelings about her father changed throughout the story?
What similarities and differences do you see between your life and Lina’s life in Italy?
How does the setting of Italy contribute to the story's mood and themes?
What role does friendship play in Lina's adventures and discoveries?
How do you think Lina grows as a person by the end of the book?
Tip: Role play these questions
While discussing Lina’s relationship with her father, share a personal story about understanding or connecting with family members.
Ask your child to describe what they imagine Italy to be like and compare it with the descriptions in the book.
Encourage your child to talk about their friendships and how they think those relationships help them grow.
Link discussions to personal experiences or future aspirations, which helps children connect more deeply with Lina’s journey and choices.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of self-discovery
Explanation: In 'Love & Gelato,' the protagonist embarks on a journey to Italy to fulfill her mother's last wish, leading to profound self-discovery and personal growth.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to embrace opportunities to explore new cultures, learn about their history, and discover more about their own identities and values.
Example Lesson: Dealing with grief and loss
Explanation: As the main character deals with the loss of her mother, the book navigates through the stages of grief and shows the healing process over time.
Real-World Application: This lesson can help children understand their feelings of loss and encourage them to seek support from friends and family during tough times.
Example Lesson: The value of friendships
Explanation: Throughout the book, friendships play a crucial role in supporting the main character as she adapts to a new environment and deals with personal challenges.
Real-World Application: Children can learn the importance of building and maintaining strong, supportive relationships with peers, which can provide comfort and joy during life's ups and downs.
Example Lesson: Courage to face the unknown
Explanation: The protagonist's decision to travel to Italy and follow the clues left by her mother showcases her bravery in confronting uncertainty and unfamiliar situations.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to take courageous steps in their own lives, whether it's trying new activities, pursuing interests, or standing up for themselves.
Example Lesson: Appreciation for cultural heritage
Explanation: The vivid descriptions of Italy’s landscape, food, and history in the book highlight the significance of appreciating and respecting different cultures.
Real-World Application: Children can be encouraged to explore and respect diverse cultures around them, deepening their understanding of the world and broadening their horizons.