The Unadoptables
What’s inside...
In all the years that Elinora Gassbeek has been matron of the Little Tulip Orphanage, not once have the Rules for Baby Abandonment been broken. Until the autumn of 1886, when five babies are left in outrageous circumstances: one in a tin toolbox, one in a coal bucket, one in a picnic hamper, one in a wheat sack, and finally, one in a coffin-shaped basket. Those babies were Lotta, Egg, Fenna, Sem and Milou; who were swiftly and firmly deemed 'the unadoptables'. Twelve years on the children still have each other - until the fateful night a most sinister gentleman appears and threatens to tear them apart. The gang decide to make a daring escape, fleeing the frozen canals of Amsterdam for an adventure packed with puppets and pirate ships, clock-makers and cruel villains - and with only a scrap of a clue to guide them to their mysterious new home.
Age
8-13
Length
400 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Milou
Fenna
Egg
Lotta
Sem
Matron Gassbeek
Mr. Rotman
Discussion points
What do you think makes a family? How do the characters in 'The Unadoptables' create their own version of family?
How do the characters use their unique talents to overcome challenges? Can you think of a time when you used one of your skills to solve a problem?
Why is it important to stand up for your friends and what are some ways the characters in the book did this?
How do you think the setting of the story, like the windmill or the orphanage, affects the adventure?
What do you think the main message of 'The Unadoptables' is, and why is it important?
Tip: Role play these questions
While discussing the book, use supportive language that encourages your child to explore their thoughts and feelings about the story.
Highlight the resilience and creativity shown by the characters, and relate it to real-life scenarios your child may face, fostering a deeper connection to the themes of the book.
Focus on the concept of found families and the importance of belonging; relate it to the child's experiences with friends and community.
Ask your child to describe their favorite part of the book or their favorite character, and why they made that choice, to encourage critical thinking and personal reflection.
Encourage your child to draw or write about their own adventure inspired by 'The Unadoptables,' supporting their creative expression influenced by literary themes.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of resilience
Explanation: The characters in 'The Unadoptables' face numerous challenges but continuously strive and persevere to find their place in the world.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to face their own challenges with bravery and not to give up when situations get tough, understanding that perseverance is key to overcoming obstacles.
Example Lesson: The value of friendship and teamwork
Explanation: The central characters in the story support and rely on each other, demonstrating the strength found in unity and collaboration.
Real-World Application: This can help children appreciate the importance of supporting their friends and working together to solve problems or achieve common goals.
Example Lesson: Embracing uniqueness
Explanation: Each of the orphans in 'The Unadoptables' has unique traits that set them apart. The story celebrates these differences as special rather than shortcomings.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to embrace their own uniqueness and appreciate the differences in others, fostering an environment of acceptance and diversity.
Example Lesson: Critical thinking and problem-solving
Explanation: The characters often find themselves in complex situations where they need to think critically and devise creative solutions.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to use their imagination and critical thinking skills to tackle challenges and think out of the box in their daily interactions and learning.
Example Lesson: Courage to confront the truth
Explanation: Throughout their journey, the characters must confront uncomfortable truths about their past. This highlights the importance of facing reality courageously.
Real-World Application: Teaching children the value of honesty and courage to face the truth, helping them develop integrity and strength of character in real-life situations.