My Guardian Angel
#1 in Elvina Series
on Goodreads (125)
What’s inside...
In 11th century Troyes, France, Elvina, the unusual granddaughter of renowned Jewish rabbi Solomon ben Isaac, prefers studying and writing to activities deemed respectable for girls. She takes a great risk by helping a young boy who has run away from a group of Christian Crusaders. The streets are eerily empty as the Jewish community is terrified of Peter the Hermit and his Crusaders, who are known to attack Jewish homes in the name of religion. On a cold Sabbath afternoon, Elvina, alone at home, faces a dire situation when three soldiers pound at her door, one of them wounded. Faced with a split-second decision that could endanger her family and community, she must rely on her guardian angel for guidance and protection. 'My Guardian Angel' is a poignant tale of compassion and tolerance, highlighting Elvina’s courage and humor, leaving a lasting impact on readers of all faiths.
Character compass
Elvina
Rashi (Shlomo Yitzchaki)
Discussion points
How do you think the guardian angel feels when watching over the characters?
What would you do if you had a guardian angel like in the story?
How can we help others feel safe and cared for, just like the guardian angel does?
Which part of the book was your favorite and why?
If you could ask the guardian angel one question, what would it be?
Tip: Role play these questions
Utilize a calm and curious tone to invite open-ended conversations.
Encourage your child to imagine themselves within the story, enhancing empathy and understanding.
Point out illustrations that might evoke emotions or questions about the guardian angel’s role.
Acknowledge and validate your child's feelings and perspectives to promote a deeper connection with the book’s themes.
Share your own thoughts or experiences related to guardianship and protection to model expressive communication.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Compassion and empathy
Explanation: In 'My Guardian Angel', the protagonist learns to understand and feel the emotions of others, helping them through difficult situations.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by recognizing when their friends or family members are upset or in need, and offering their support or a listening ear.
Example Lesson: The importance of courage
Explanation: Throughout the story, the characters face various challenges that require bravery to confront and overcome.
Real-World Application: This lesson encourages children to face their fears, whether it's trying out for a school play, standing up to a bully, or facing a tough exam.
Example Lesson: The value of friendship
Explanation: The book highlights strong friendships that support characters through tough times, showing that true friends are there for each other no matter what.
Real-World Application: Children learn to value their friendships, work through disagreements, and support their friends in times of need.
Example Lesson: Responsibility and reliability
Explanation: Characters in the book are tasked with significant responsibilities, and they learn the importance of being someone others can rely on.
Real-World Application: Kids can take this lesson into everyday life by being responsible for their chores, homework, and in their reliable actions towards others.
Example Lesson: Understanding and accepting differences
Explanation: The story promotes acceptance by showing characters who come from different backgrounds and have different perspectives, learning to understand and accept each other.
Real-World Application: This teaches children to embrace diversity in their schools and communities, respecting each person's unique background and viewpoint.