The Red Umbrella
on Goodreads (4,739)
What’s inside...
The Red Umbrella is the moving tale of a 14-year-old girl's journey from Cuba to America as part of Operation Pedro Pan—an organized exodus of more than 14,000 unaccompanied children, whose parents sent them away to escape Fidel Castro's revolution. In 1961, two years after the Communist revolution, Luca Álvarez still leads a carefree life, dreaming of parties and her first crush. But when soldiers come to her sleepy Cuban town, everything begins to change. Freedoms are stripped away, neighbors disappear, and her friends feel like strangers. Her family is being watched and as the revolution's impact becomes more oppressive, Luca's parents make the heart-wrenching decision to send her and her little brother to the United States on their own. Suddenly plunked down in Nebraska with well-meaning strangers, Luca struggles to adapt to a new country, a new language, and a new way of life. But what of her old life? Will she ever see her home or her parents again? And if she does, will she still be the same girl?
Age
10-13
Length
240 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Lucia Alvarez
Frankie Alvarez
Mr. Baxter
Papa Alvarez
Mrs. Baxter
Mama Alvarez
Ivette
Discussion points
How do you think the main character felt when they found the red umbrella?
What would you have done if you were in the main character's place?
Why do you think the red umbrella is important in the story?
How did the characters change from the beginning to the end of the book?
What was your favorite part of the story and why?
Tip: Role play these questions
Before reading, ask your child what they think the book might be about just by looking at the cover.
Pause at pivotal moments in the story to ask your child to predict what might happen next.
After reading a chapter, ask your child to summarize what happened to reinforce comprehension.
Relate the themes or situations in the book to personal experiences your child might have had to deepen their connection to the story.
Encourage your child to draw a scene or character from the book to foster creativity and a deeper understanding of the story's visual elements.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Empathy and Understanding
Explanation: The Red Umbrella tells the story of a child encountering various characters each needing shelter, portraying how sharing and understanding others' needs is crucial.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of recognizing emotions and situations of others, fostering a sense of empathy that can be applied in school and social interactions.
Example Lesson: The Value of Sharing
Explanation: As the protagonist shares the red umbrella with others, it highlights the positive outcomes of sharing and helping those in need.
Real-World Application: This lesson encourages children to share their own belongings and time with peers, promoting harmonious play and teamwork.
Example Lesson: Courage to Help Others
Explanation: Despite the challenges faced, the main character bravely decides to help everyone he meets, demonstrating courage and selflessness.
Real-World Application: Instills the value of bravery in kids, motivating them to help others even when it might be easier to avoid doing so.
Example Lesson: Responsibility
Explanation: The child takes responsibility for the welfare of others under the umbrella, showing how taking responsibility can lead to positive changes.
Real-World Application: Teaches children the importance of taking responsibility in their own actions, be it at home with chores or in school with assignments.