The Year of Shadows
What’s inside...
Olivia Stellatella is having a rough year. Her mother has left, her neglectful father—the maestro of a failing orchestra—has moved her and her grandmother into the city's dark, broken-down concert hall to save money, and her only friend is Igor, an ornery stray cat. Just when she thinks life couldn’t get any weirder, she meets four ghosts who haunt the hall. They need Olivia’s help—if the hall is torn down, they’ll be stuck as ghosts forever, never able to move on. Olivia has to do the impossible for her shadowy new friends: Save the concert hall. But helping the dead has powerful consequences for the living… and soon it’s not just the concert hall that needs saving.
Age
8-12
Length
416 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Olivia Stellatella
Henry
Otto "Maestro" Stellatella
Henry Page
Maestro Stellatella
Discussion points
How do you think Olivia felt when she had to move to the orchestra hall and why?
Can you describe a time when you made an unexpected friend like Olivia did with the ghosts?
What do you think the shadows represent in the story?
How did Olivia change from the beginning of the book to the end, and what caused those changes?
Why is it important to help others, even if they are very different from us?
Tip: Role play these questions
While discussing Olivia's emotions, encourage your child to express their own feelings about times they have faced changes or difficulties.
Link the theme of friendship to your child’s experiences by asking about their friends and what makes someone a good friend.
Explore the concept of 'shadows' in the story by asking your child what they think the shadows might symbolize. This can lead to a discussion on facing fears and overcoming obstacles.
Highlight Olivia’s character development and compare it with any personal growth your child feels they have experienced.
Discuss the importance of helping others by sharing personal family stories where helping someone made a difference.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Coping with change and loss
Explanation: In 'The Year of Shadows', Olivia grapples with her family's financial hardships and her mother's abandonment. Throughout the story, she learns to adapt to these changes and process her emotions.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by understanding that changes and losses are part of life. Learning to express their feelings and seek support can help them adapt more healthily.
Example Lesson: The value of friendship
Explanation: Despite her initial reluctance, Olivia forms friendships with Henry and the ghosts. These relationships help her confront challenges and grow emotionally.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the importance of opening up to friendships and support from others. Building trusted relationships can provide emotional support and help overcome personal difficulties.
Example Lesson: Courage to face fears
Explanation: Olivia faces her fears by bravely helping the ghosts find peace. This act of courage helps her to reconcile with her own painful experiences.
Real-World Application: Children learn that facing fears, though difficult, can lead to personal growth and resolution of lingering issues. This can encourage them to tackle their own fears and learn resilience.
Example Lesson: Empathy for others
Explanation: Olivia learns to understand and empathize with the ghosts' stories and sorrows, which in turn helps her deal with her own struggles.
Real-World Application: This highlights the importance of empathy in real life, teaching children to be considerate and understand the feelings and experiences of others, fostering a more compassionate community.
Example Lesson: Importance of self-expression
Explanation: Throughout the book, Olivia uses music and interaction with the ghosts to express her feelings, which becomes crucial in her emotional healing process.
Real-World Application: Children can see the value of finding a healthy outlet for expressing emotions, whether through art, music, or conversation, aiding in emotional well-being and personal expression.