The Summer Prince
on Goodreads (4,725)
What’s inside...
In the vibrant city of Palmares Tres, artist June Costa dreams of becoming legendary with her art. She meets Enki, the new Summer King, and together they embark on explosive projects that challenge the government's strict limits on technology. As they fuel a growing rebellion, June falls deeply in love with Enki, who is destined to die as all Summer Kings before him. This heart-stopping story explores themes of love, death, technology, and art in a futuristic Brazil.
Age
13-14
Length
289 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
June Costa
Gil
Enki
Discussion points
How do the colors and environment in Palmares Três contribute to the story's atmosphere? What emotions do they evoke?
In what ways do June, Gil, and Enki challenge or conform to the rules of their society? What do you think about their actions?
The concept of love and relationships is a central theme in this book. How do these relationships impact the characters' decisions and the plot?
How does technology influence the lives of the characters in 'The Summer Prince'? Can you think of parallels in our own world?
What does 'sacrifice' mean in the context of the story? Do you think the sacrifices characters make are justified?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their thoughts and emotions about the story, validating their feelings and offering insights when appropriate.
Discuss the rich, cultural aspects of Palmares Três and its significance to the narrative, exploring any cultural references or similarities to real-world cultures.
Point out the character development throughout the book to help your child understand the complexities of each character's motivations and growth.
Utilize contrasts between the futuristic setting and the current world to encourage critical thinking about technology and its impact on society.
Prompt your child to consider the ethical dilemmas presented in the book, fostering an open conversation about morality and personal values.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of art and creativity
Explanation: In 'The Summer Prince', art is portrayed as a powerful medium of expression and change, driving the narrative and the actions of the characters.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to appreciate and explore different forms of art as a means of expressing their own feelings and thoughts, as well as understanding the impact it can have on society.
Example Lesson: The value of challenging societal norms
Explanation: The protagonist questions and challenges the rigid rules set by the futuristic society they live in, demonstrating the power of questioning and thinking independently.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to think critically about the rules and norms they encounter, and to understand that positive change can result from questioning and thoughtful challenges.
Example Lesson: The significance of sacrifice and leadership
Explanation: Key characters in the book make impactful sacrifices for the betterment of others, emphasizing the importance of selflessness and leadership in achieving greater good.
Real-World Application: This can help children understand the importance of leadership and the sometimes necessary sacrifices involved in making a difference in their communities.
Example Lesson: Importance of friendship and alliances
Explanation: The characters in the book rely on strong bonds and friendships to overcome challenges, highlighting the strength found in unity and cooperation.
Real-World Application: It teaches children the value of building and maintaining meaningful relationships and how teamwork can help solve problems.
Example Lesson: Understanding and embracing diversity
Explanation: The book presents a society rich in cultural diversity, promoting acceptance and understanding of different cultural backgrounds.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to embrace and celebrate diversity in the people around them, fostering an inclusive environment wherever they are.