Sia Martinez and the Moonlit Beginning of Everything
on Goodreads (2,462)
What’s inside...
A Mexican American teen, Sia Martinez, grapples with the disappearance of her mom following an ICE raid and an attempt to cross the Sonoran Desert. Despite believing her mom to be dead, Sia holds onto hope, lighting candles in the desert to guide her mom home. One night, her world changes dramatically when a spacecraft crashes before her eyes, carrying her alive mother. As Sia attempts to rescue her mom from the clutches of potentially alien soldiers, she uncovers deep secrets that challenge her understanding of immigration, folklore, and the universe itself.
Age
11-12
Length
448 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Sia Martinez
Noah
Sia's Father
Discussion points
How do Sia’s experiences teach us about resilience and overcoming challenges?
What role does family heritage play in shaping Sia's journey, and why is it important?
Sia encounters both mystical and real-world obstacles. How do these elements interact in her story?
How can we apply Sia's strategies for coping with loss and change to our own lives?
In what ways do the characters in the book display courage, and what can we learn from them?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start the conversation by sharing your thoughts on Sia’s character and asking your child what they think of her.
Discuss the cultural aspects presented in the book and relate them to your family’s own heritage or to diverse cultures.
Encourage your child to think about how they would react in Sia’s situations, fostering empathy and critical thinking.
Highlight the blending of science fiction and real-world issues, prompting your child to think about how different genres can offer unique perspectives.
Use examples from the book to talk about the importance of family, friendship, and perseverance in overcoming life’s hurdles.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Resilience in the face of adversity
Explanation: Sia Martinez faces personal loss and battles against external prejudices, yet she continues to fight for what she believes in.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of persisting through challenges and hardships in their own lives, understanding that strength comes from overcoming obstacles.
Example Lesson: Value of cultural heritage
Explanation: The story integrates Mexican folklore and traditions, showing how Sia connects to her cultural roots through family stories and practices.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to explore and take pride in their own cultural backgrounds and to appreciate the diversity in others.
Example Lesson: Importance of hope and belief
Explanation: Despite facing immense difficulties, Sia holds on to hope and her belief in the unexplained, which eventually leads her to uncovering truths.
Real-World Application: It teaches children the power of maintaining hope and belief even when situations seem bleak, promoting optimism and positive thinking in daily life.
Example Lesson: Impact of empathy and understanding
Explanation: As Sia interacts with others who are different or hold different beliefs, she approaches them with empathy and strives to understand their perspectives.
Real-World Application: Children learn to approach disagreements or different viewpoints with empathy, fostering better relationships and a deeper understanding of others’ experiences.
Example Lesson: Critical thinking and questioning
Explanation: Sia challenges existing narratives and seeks out her own truths, demonstrating analytical thinking and the courage to question.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to question the world around them and seek their own answers rather than passively accepting information, promoting intellectual curiosity and independent thinking.