Sisters of the Neversea
on Goodreads (880)
What’s inside...
In this modern take of the popular classic Peter Pan, award-winning author Cynthia Leitich Smith brilliantly shifts the focus from the boy who won't grow up to Native American Lily and English Wendy—stepsisters who must face both dangers and wonders to find their way back to the family they love. Stepsisters Lily and Wendy embark on a high-flying journey of magic, adventure, and courage—to a fairy-tale island known as Neverland. Lily and Wendy have been best friends since they became stepsisters but with their feuding parents planning to spend the summer apart, concerns grow about their family and friendship. However, a mysterious boy named Peter Pan has been watching them, planning to take them to Neverland, an island of wild animals, Merfolk, Fairies, and kidnapped children.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
8-12
Length
307 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How do the different settings in the story affect the characters' adventures?
What are some ways that Lily and Wendy show their bravery and kindness throughout the book?
How do the characters' relationships change as the story progresses?
What lessons can you learn from the challenges the characters face?
If you could speak to any character from the book, who would it be and what would you ask them?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express which character they felt most connected to and why.
Discuss the importance of family and friendship as depicted in the book, prompting your child to share personal experiences or feelings about similar situations.
Help your child identify and articulate the emotions characters might be feeling in various scenarios, enhancing emotional literacy.
Link themes from the book to real-world instances, allowing your child to see the relevance of the story to their own life.
Ask your child to imagine alternative endings for the book or what they think might happen next, fostering creative thinking.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of family unity
Explanation: In 'Sisters of the Neversea', the story revolves around the complex but loving relationship between stepsisters Lily and Wendy. Throughout their adventures, they learn to cooperate, support, and understand each other, reinforcing their familial bond.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to appreciate and cherish their family relationships, understanding that despite differences, family unity is crucial for emotional support and personal growth.
Example Lesson: Respecting cultural heritage
Explanation: The character Lily, who is of Muscogee Creek heritage, brings elements of her culture into the narrative, offering a rich perspective that is respected and celebrated by other characters. This presents an authentic representation of Indigenous culture.
Real-World Application: This lesson encourages children to respect and learn about the cultural backgrounds of their peers. It promotes inclusivity and a broader understanding of the diverse world they live in.
Example Lesson: The power of resilience and bravery
Explanation: Faced with challenges in the magical world, both Lily and Wendy demonstrate resilience and bravery. Their experiences in Neverland help them grow and face their fears confidently.
Real-World Application: Children learn the value of facing challenges head-on and developing resilience, which can help them navigate difficulties in school, friendships, and other areas of life.
Example Lesson: Empathy and understanding
Explanation: Throughout the book, characters often face dilemmas that require them to put themselves in others' shoes. The stepsisters learn to understand and empathize with each other’s feelings and perspectives.
Real-World Application: This lesson aids children in developing empathy for others, a skill that improves interpersonal relationships and fosters a supportive community environment.