Moonpenny Island
What’s inside...
Moonpenny Island is a middle grade novel by Tricia Springstubb that follows Flor, an eleven-year-old girl living on a small island. When her best friend Sylvie is sent to the mainland for school, and her mother leaves to take care of Flor's sick grandmother, Flor begins to face significant changes in her life. Her sister harboring a dangerous secret adds to Flor’s challenges. Amidst these struggles, Flor helps a geologist and his daughter excavate prehistoric trilobites, leading her to learn important truths about her loved ones and herself. The novel explores themes of friendship, secrets, and coming of age, while reflecting on what it means to see through someone else’s eyes.
Age
8-12
Length
304 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Flor O'Dell
Discussion points
How do you think Flor feels when she discovers secrets about her family and friends? What would you do in her position?
Why is it important to have a place like Moonpenny Island to call home? What places are special to you?
How do the characters change throughout the story? Can you relate to any of their changes?
What lessons does the story teach about friendship and trust?
If you could give advice to any character in the book, who would it be and what would you say?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their feelings about the story’s characters and events, highlighting that there are no right or wrong answers.
Relate the themes of the book to your child’s own experiences, such as moving to a new place or dealing with changes in friendships.
Ask your child to imagine alternative endings for the book, or what might happen next if the story continued. This can help develop creative thinking.
Discuss the importance of setting in the story and encourage them to describe how they envision Moonpenny Island.
Point out the growth of characters over the course of the book and relate it to the concept of personal development and learning from experiences.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Value of friendship
Explanation: In 'Moonpenny Island', the protagonist navigates the complexities of evolving friendships and the importance of supportive relationships.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to appreciate and nurture their friendships, understanding that relationships can change and grow over time.
Example Lesson: Acceptance of change
Explanation: The story highlights how the main character copes with change in her family and social environment, demonstrating resilience and adaptability.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to embrace life changes such as moving to a new city or changing schools, helping them to adapt more easily.
Example Lesson: Importance of self-discovery
Explanation: Throughout the novel, the protagonist goes on a journey of self-exploration, learning more about her desires and capabilities.
Real-World Application: This narrative can motivate children to engage in self-reflection and personal growth, aiding them in understanding themselves better.
Example Lesson: Empathy towards others
Explanation: Characters in 'Moonpenny Island' show empathy by understanding and sharing the feelings of others, which strengthens their bonds.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to consider and respond to the emotions of peers and family members, fostering stronger, empathetic relationships.