The Hills of Estrella Roja
on Goodreads (1,306)
What’s inside...
The Hills of Estrella Roja follows the adventurous journey of a young protagonist who discovers a mysterious map to the legendary Estrella Roja. Facing various challenges and meeting new friends with special abilities, they navigate treacherous terrains, solve ancient puzzles, and uncover world-changing secrets. Recognized as one of the YALSA 2024 Great Graphic Novels for Teens.
Age
14-17
Length
400 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What did you think about the journey of the main character in the hills? How did it make you feel?
Can you imagine what living in Estrella Roja might be like? What would you do if you were there?
What are some of the challenges the characters faced? How did they overcome them?
Did you notice any moments where the characters had to make tough decisions? What would you have done in their place?
How do you think the story would change if it happened near where we live?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to describe their favorite character, focusing on traits and decisions, which helps in understanding the character’s motives and growth.
After reading, relate themes or events from the book to personal experiences or current events to help the child form connections.
Ask your child to draw a scene from the book. It’s a great way for them to express their understanding and perspective of the story.
Use the book’s setting to spark interest in geography or history, enhancing educational value through interdisciplinary learning.
Discuss the resolutions of the book’s conflicts, prompting your child to think critically about alternate outcomes and the impact of individual actions.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of teamwork
Explanation: In 'The Hills of Estrella Roja', the characters must collaborate to overcome obstacles and find solutions to the challenges they face on their journey.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by working together with their peers in school projects or sports, learning that collective effort often leads to success.
Example Lesson: Resilience in the face of adversity
Explanation: Throughout the story, the protagonists encounter various difficulties but continue to persevere, demonstrating the power of resilience.
Real-World Application: This lesson teaches children that facing challenges without giving up is crucial in achieving goals, whether in academic settings or personal endeavors.
Example Lesson: Valuing diversity and cultural differences
Explanation: The diverse backgrounds of the characters in 'The Hills of Estrella Roja' enrich the narrative, showing how different perspectives contribute to a richer understanding of the world.
Real-World Application: Children learn to appreciate and embrace differences among their friends and in their communities, promoting inclusivity and tolerance.
Example Lesson: The significance of curiosity and asking questions
Explanation: Curiosity leads the young characters to explore and discover the secrets of Estrella Roja, showcasing the importance of inquisitiveness.
Real-World Application: Encouraging children to ask questions and seek out answers can foster a lifelong love of learning and exploration.
Example Lesson: Responsibility towards the environment
Explanation: The story emphasizes the need to care for and respect nature as the characters navigate through the scenic hills, highlighting ecological awareness.
Real-World Application: This can inspire children to participate in environmental conservation efforts such as recycling or planting trees, understanding their role in protecting our planet.