My Sister Rosa
on Goodreads (8,775)
What’s inside...
Seventeen-year-old Che Taylor loves his ten-year-old sister, Rosa, but is deeply disturbed by her psychopathic tendencies. As their family moves from Bangkok to New York City, Rosa's behavior escalates, becoming increasingly manipulative and dangerous. Che, who has always protected Rosa, now fears that the world may need protection from her.
Age
14-17
Length
405 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Che Taylor
Sojourner Freed
Ebony Freed
David Taylor
Sally Taylor
Rosa Taylor
Discussion points
What do you think motivates Rosa's actions throughout the story?
How do the characters in the book show differences between right and wrong?
In what ways does the protagonist handle challenges and conflicts?
How do the family dynamics in the book compare to our own?
What lessons can we learn about trust and responsibility from the story?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use open-ended questions that encourage your child to think critically about characters’ motivations and moral decisions.
Discuss the protagonist's problem-solving strategies to help your child understand different ways of dealing with challenging situations.
Compare and contrast the family relationships in the book with your own to facilitate personal connections with the story.
Encourage your child to express how they feel about the characters’ actions and decisions, promoting emotional intelligence.
Highlight the consequences of the characters' actions to discuss the importance of responsibility and accountability.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Understanding psychological complexities in people
Explanation: The book explores the mind of a young psychopath, Rosa, through her brother’s perspective, demonstrating that people's behaviors and thoughts can be complex and multi-layered.
Real-World Application: This lesson equips children to recognize and respect diverse mental and emotional states among their peers, promoting empathy and understanding in real-world social interactions.
Example Lesson: Importance of familial responsibilities
Explanation: The protagonist, Che, consistently looks out for his younger sister Rosa, showcasing his commitment to family despite challenging circumstances.
Real-World Application: Children learn the value of caring for family members, understanding their roles within the family, and the importance of loyalty and responsibility towards loved ones.
Example Lesson: Ethical decision-making
Explanation: Che faces numerous moral dilemmas regarding how to handle Rosa's behavior. His choices offer a deep dive into ethics and the consequences of various actions.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to think critically about right and wrong and to consider the outcomes of their decisions before acting, fostering responsible behavior.
Example Lesson: Consequences of deceit
Explanation: Rosa's manipulative actions and their impacts on those around her underline the dangers and consequences of deceitful behavior.
Real-World Application: Children can learn the value of honesty and the potential negative effects of manipulation and deceit, guiding them to foster truthful and transparent communication.
Example Lesson: Coping with challenging emotions
Explanation: Che’s internal struggle with his feelings towards Rosa portrays realistic ways of coping with difficult emotions and situations.
Real-World Application: This lesson can help children develop strategies for managing their emotions, particularly in complex or troubling situations, promoting mental and emotional well-being.