Summer in the City of Roses
on Goodreads (529)
What’s inside...
Inspired by the Greek myth of Iphigenia and the Grimm fairy tale 'Brother and Sister,' Michelle Ruiz Keil’s second novel follows two siblings torn apart and struggling to find each other in early ’90s Portland. All her life, seventeen-year-old Iph has protected her sensitive younger brother, Orr. But this summer, with their mother gone at an artist residency, their father decides it’s time for fifteen-year-old Orr to toughen up at a wilderness boot camp. When he brings Iph to a work gala in downtown Portland and breaks the news, Orr has already been sent away. Furious at his betrayal, Iph storms off and gets lost in the maze of Old Town. Enter George, a queer Robin Hood who swoops in on a bicycle, bow and arrow at the ready, offering Iph a place to hide out while she figures out how to track down Orr. Orr, in the meantime, has escaped the camp and fallen in with The Furies, an all-girl punk band, and moves into the coat closet of their ramshackle pink house. In their first summer apart, Iph and Orr must learn to navigate their respective new spaces of music, romance, and sex work activism—and find each other to try to stop a transformation that could fracture their family forever. Told through a lens of magical realism and steeped in myth, 'Summer in the City of Roses' is a dazzling tale about the pain and beauty of growing up.
Age
13-14
Length
336 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Iph
Miranda
George
Orr
Dr. Marin
Discussion points
How do the main characters, Iph and Orr, each handle their feelings of being lost and isolated? What can we learn from their actions?
The book incorporates aspects of mythology and folklore. How do these elements influence the story and the characters’ journeys?
What role does the city of Portland play in shaping the events of the story? Can you think of some ways the setting impacts the mood and direction of the narrative?
Family relationships are a big theme in this book. How do Iph and Orr's experiences with their family shape their understanding of love and support?
What does the story suggest about the importance of community and belonging? How do the characters find their ‘place’ by the end?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their thoughts and feelings about the characters' decisions and how they might have handled similar situations.
Discuss the mythical elements within the story. Ask your child if they recognized any myths or folklore and how those stories enhance the overall narrative.
Explore the setting together by looking up images or maps of Portland to better visualize the scenes and connect to the story.
Talk about the complexities of family dynamics presented in the book and relate them to your own family experiences where suitable. This can help in drawing personal connections with the characters.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of family bonds
Explanation: In 'Summer in the City of Roses,' the relationship between Iph and Orr explores the complexities and significance of sibling connections. The narrative emphasizes their struggles and reconciliation.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to appreciate the value of maintaining strong relationships with their siblings, understanding the significance of support and forgiveness in family life.
Example Lesson: Resilience in the face of challenges
Explanation: Throughout the book, characters face various personal and external challenges. Their ability to persist and adapt to changing circumstances is a key theme.
Real-World Application: This lesson inspires children to remain resilient when facing difficulties, encouraging them to find solutions and not give up easily.
Example Lesson: The power of self-discovery
Explanation: The journey of the protagonists in discovering their personal identities and paths is central to the storyline. This encourages introspection and self-understanding.
Real-World Application: Kids can be encouraged to explore their own interests and passions, learning to embrace their unique identities.
Example Lesson: Empathy and understanding towards others
Explanation: As the characters interact and face various life situations, they learn to understand and empathize with each other's experiences and emotions.
Real-World Application: This lesson teaches children to be considerate and empathetic in their daily interactions, helping them build stronger and more meaningful relationships.