Red Palms
on Goodreads (47)
What’s inside...
When fourteen-year-old Benita's wealthy family goes bankrupt as a result of the Depression, they go from their luxurious life in Guayaquil, Ecuador to a primitive island, with the wild scheme of starting a coconut plantation. Benita moves from a grand house to a shack on the beach, from going to school to working in the fields. Her father, inexperienced in farming, causes trouble with the islanders. The only positive aspect of their new life is Raul, a handsome local. When Raul invites her to live in the wilderness with him, Benita runs off. Together, they navigate the beautiful but dangerous jungle, struggling to survive and build their relationship amidst secrets.
Age
12-16
Length
336 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How did the setting of the island influence the story and the characters?
What challenges did the protagonist face and how did she overcome them?
How do the relationships between the characters change throughout the story?
What themes in the book resonated with you the most and why?
If you could give the protagonist a piece of advice, what would it be?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to imagine themselves in the protagonist's place and ask how they would react in similar situations.
Discuss the significance of the setting and how it impacts the storyline and the characters' actions.
Highlight key moments of character development and ask your child how they feel about the decisions made.
Utilize the themes of the book such as resilience and personal growth to connect discussions to real-life scenarios your child might relate to.
Focus on understanding and respecting the diverse social and cultural elements presented in the book.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Resilience in the face of adversity
Explanation: In 'Red Palms', the protagonist faces numerous challenges but continually finds strength to overcome them, demonstrating resilience.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to persist through their personal challenges, whether it's difficulty in school or problems with friends, mirroring the protagonist's resilience.
Example Lesson: Importance of family and community support
Explanation: Throughout the book, the protagonist relies on her family and community for support during tough times, highlighting the importance of a support system.
Real-World Application: Children can appreciate and seek support from their own families and communities in times of need, understanding that no one needs to face challenges alone.
Example Lesson: Empathy and kindness
Explanation: The protagonist often shows empathy and kindness to other characters, which helps her in building strong, positive relationships.
Real-World Application: This story encourages children to practice empathy and kindness in their daily interactions, leading to better communication and stronger relationships with peers.
Example Lesson: Courage to confront fears
Explanation: The main character in 'Red Palms' confronts her fears, be it physical dangers or emotional anxieties, showcasing courage.
Real-World Application: Children learn the value of facing their fears, be it speaking in front of the class, trying out for a sports team, or standing up for what is right.
Example Lesson: Adaptability to change
Explanation: As the story progresses, the protagonist encounters various changes and learns to adapt, teaching adaptability.
Real-World Application: This lesson equips children to better handle transitions such as moving to a new school or adjusting to any new environment or situation.