Pilar Ramirez and the Escape from Zafa: Pilar Ramirez Duology
#1 of 2 in Pilar Ramirez Series
on Goodreads (377)
What’s inside...
Pilar Ramirez and the Escape from Zafa is a captivating contemporary middle-grade fantasy duology starter by Julian Randall. The story follows twelve-year-old Pilar Violeta “Purp” Ramirez as her world undergoes changes she dislikes. With her Chicago neighborhood gentrifying and her chores increasing, Pilar feels unsettled. Her life becomes even more complicated when she learns about her cousin Natasha, who vanished fifty years ago in the Dominican Republic during the Trujillo dictatorship. Determined to uncover the truth, Pilar travels to her sister's professor's office and discovers a folder about Natasha, which transports her to Zafa, an island filled with magical creatures and dangers. There, Pilar must confront the fearsome El Cuco to rescue her cousin and find her way back home. This thrilling tale is filled with magic, action, and heart.
Discussion points
What do you think Pilar felt when she was trying to escape from Zafa? How would you feel in a similar situation?
Pilar encounters many challenges in her journey. What are some of the ways she handles her problems? Can you think of a time you faced a problem and how you solved it?
The story takes us to many different places. Which place in the book would you like to visit and why?
Pilar meets many different characters throughout her adventure. Who was your favorite character and what qualities did you admire about them?
If you could give Pilar one piece of advice, what would it be and why?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use open-ended questions to foster a deeper understanding and encourage your child to think critically about the story and its characters.
Relate the book’s themes to your child’s own experiences to make the discussion more relevant and engaging.
Encourage your child to imagine alternate scenarios or endings to the book to nurture their creativity and problem-solving skills.
Discuss the emotions experienced by characters in the book and relate them to personal emotional development, helping your child to identify and express their feelings more effectively.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Courage and resilience
Explanation: In 'Pilar Ramirez and the Escape from Zafa,' Pilar demonstrates determination and bravery as she navigates various challenges to save her family.
Real-World Application: Children can learn the importance of facing fears and overcoming obstacles, whether it's standing up for themselves or tackling a difficult task at school.
Example Lesson: Importance of family and heritage
Explanation: Through her adventures, Pilar embraces her Dominican heritage and the power of family bonds, learning more about her ancestors and the strength they provide.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to value their own family histories and cultures, and understand how these can provide strength and guidance.
Example Lesson: Problem-solving skills
Explanation: Pilar often needs to think critically and solve puzzles throughout her journey, demonstrating key problem-solving skills.
Real-World Application: Children can apply similar critical thinking strategies in their daily life situations, be it in academic settings or in social scenarios to make wise decisions.