Love in the Time of Global Warming
#1 of 2 in Love in the Time of Global Warming Series
on Goodreads (3,632)
What’s inside...
Her life by the sea in ruins, Pen has lost everything in the Earth Shaker that all but destroyed the city of Los Angeles. She sets out into the wasteland to search for her family, her journey guided by a tattered copy of Homer’s Odyssey. Soon she begins to realize her own abilities and strength as she faces false promises of safety, the cloned giants who feast on humans, and a madman who wishes her dead. On her voyage, Pen learns to tell stories that reflect her strange visions, while she and her fellow survivors navigate the dangers that lie in wait. In her signature style, Francesca Lia Block has created a world that is beautiful in its destruction and as frightening as it is lovely. At the helm is Pen, a strong heroine who holds hope and love in her hands and refuses to be defeated.
Character compass
Penelope
Ez
Hex
Ash
Discussion points
How does Pen's journey in the story reflect her personal growth and change?
In what ways do the characters in the book show resilience in the face of their challenges?
What role does love play in the story, and how does it influence the decisions of the characters?
How does the setting of a post-apocalyptic world impact the story's mood and the characters' actions?
What similarities and differences do you see between the Odyssey and Pen’s adventure in the book?
Tip: Role play these questions
Utilize pauses after each question to give your child time to think and articulate their thoughts.
Encourage them to draw parallels between Pen’s challenges and any personal obstacles they might relate to, fostering a deeper personal connection to the story.
Discuss the importance of resilience and ask your child to come up with examples of how they have been resilient in their own life.
Explore the concept of love and its different forms as depicted in the book, discussing how love can be a motivating and guiding force during hardships.
Link discussions to broader world contexts or current events where themes of survival, dystopia, and human emotions are relevant to nurture empathy and awareness.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Resilience in the face of adversity
Explanation: The protagonist, Pen, navigates a post-apocalyptic world, demonstrating perseverance and courage despite challenging circumstances.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to maintain hope and determination when faced with difficulties, whether in school, sports, or personal relationships.
Example Lesson: The importance of friendship and trust
Explanation: Throughout her journey, Pen relies on her friends and learns the value of trusting others even in uncertain times.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the significance of building and maintaining trustful relationships with their peers and family members.
Example Lesson: Creativity as a means of survival
Explanation: Pen uses her artistic abilities to interpret and navigate the world around her, showcasing how creativity can be a powerful tool for problem-solving.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to use their imagination and creativity to tackle everyday challenges and express their thoughts and emotions.
Example Lesson: Acceptance of change
Explanation: The characters in the book are forced to adapt to a drastically altered world, illustrating the necessity of accepting change in life.
Real-World Application: Helps children understand that change is a natural part of life and adapting to it is crucial for growth and learning.
Example Lesson: Overcoming personal loss
Explanation: Pen deals with immense personal loss but learns to cope and find strength in her memories and ongoing experiences.
Real-World Application: Supports children in understanding grief and provides insight into how to deal with loss and cherish the memories of loved ones.