The Last Storyteller
on Goodreads (25,081)
What’s inside...
An unforgettable journey through the stars, to the very heart of what makes us human. The incredible Newbery Medal-winning novel from Donna Barba Higuera. 'Gripping in its twists and turns, and moving in its themes - truly a beautiful cuento.'- NEW YORK TIMES. There lived a girl named Petra Peña, who wanted nothing more than to be a storyteller, like her abuelita. But Petra's world is ending. Earth has been destroyed by a comet, and only a few hundred scientists and their children – among them Petra and her family – have been chosen to journey to a new planet. They are the ones who must carry on the human race. Hundreds of years later, Petra wakes to this new planet – and the discovery that she is the only person who remembers Earth. A sinister Collective has taken over the ship during its journey, bent on erasing the sins of humanity's past. They have systematically purged the memories of all aboard – or purged them altogether. Petra alone now carries the stories of our past, and with them, any hope for our future. Can she make them live again?
Age
10-13
Length
336 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Petra PeñA
Discussion points
How do you think the characters felt when they faced challenges in the story?
What would you do if you were in the protagonist's place?
How do you think storytelling helps people understand each other better?
What is the most important lesson you learned from the story?
Which character did you relate to the most and why?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use open-ended questions to encourage your child to think deeply about the story and its implications.
Relate the book’s themes to real-life experiences to help your child connect with the story.
Encourage your child to imagine alternative endings or plot twists to spark creativity.
Discuss the emotions of the characters and relate them to your child's own experiences to enhance empathy.
Highlight the value of perseverance and courage as shown in the book to instill similar values in your child.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of storytelling
Explanation: In 'The Last Storyteller', the protagonist embraces the power of storytelling to preserve history and culture.
Real-World Application: Children learn the value of passing on family traditions and personal histories through stories, enhancing their appreciation of their heritage.
Example Lesson: Courage in the face of adversity
Explanation: The main characters in the book face numerous challenges, demonstrating bravery and resilience.
Real-World Application: Kids can apply this to their own lives by tackling difficulties at school or in social situations with bravery, learning to overcome obstacles with determination.
Example Lesson: Creativity and imagination
Explanation: The book celebrates the creative process of crafting stories, showing how imagination can create new worlds.
Real-World Application: Children can use their creativity to solve problems, entertain others, and express themselves in unique ways.
Example Lesson: The power of teamwork
Explanation: The characters often work together to overcome obstacles, highlighting the benefits of cooperation and teamwork.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the significance of collaborating with others to achieve common goals, whether in school projects or in sports.
Example Lesson: Preserving cultural heritage
Explanation: Through its narrative, the book underlines the importance of maintaining cultural roots and knowledge.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to explore and take pride in their own culture and history, and understand the diversity in the world around them.