Valiant Ladies
on Goodreads (1,158)
What’s inside...
Two teen vigilantes, Eustaquia 'Kiki' de Sonza and Ana Lezama de Urinza, set off on an action-packed investigation to expose corruption and deliver justice in Melissa Grey's YA historical fiction novel, Valiant Ladies. Inspired by real seventeenth century Latinx teenagers known as the Valiant Ladies of Potosí, Kiki and Ana are proper young ladies by day in the seventeenth century Spanish Empire's Viceroyalty of Peru. By night, they transform into fearless fighters, combating crime in the bustling streets of Potosí with swords and muskets. The plot takes a dramatic turn when Kiki's engagement is announced, and her brother is murdered on the same night. Driven by their quest for justice, the girls venture from the lowliest brothels to the highest echelons of the Spanish aristocracy in their pursuit of the truth.
Age
13-18
Length
384 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Eustaquia 'Kiki' De Sonza
Ana Lezama De Urinza
Discussion points
What qualities make both main characters in 'Valiant Ladies' brave and unique?
How do the challenges faced by the characters change them by the end of the story?
Can you think of a time when you had to be brave like the characters in the book?
What would you have done differently if you were in the place of the main characters?
How do you think teamwork and friendship play a role in this story?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express what they found most inspiring about the characters' bravery and ask how they might use those lessons in their own life.
Discuss the historical context of the story to add depth to your child’s understanding and appreciation of the characters' challenges.
Relate the story's themes to real-life examples of courage and resilience that your child may see in the world around them or in their personal experiences.
Ask your child to draw or write about their favorite scene, helping them connect creatively with the book’s themes.
Create a family 'bravery board' where everyone shares stories or examples of personal courage, linking it back to the themes discussed in 'Valiant Ladies'.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Courage in the face of adversity
Explanation: The characters in 'Valiant Ladies' demonstrate bravery as they confront challenges, making difficult decisions to protect their values and loved ones.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to stand up for themselves and others, facing schoolyard bullies or speaking out against unfairness in their surroundings.
Example Lesson: The importance of friendship
Explanation: Throughout the story, the protagonists rely on each other's strengths and support, showing that teamwork and loyalty are invaluable.
Real-World Application: This lesson teaches children the value of building and maintaining strong, supportive relationships with their peers, which is crucial for emotional and social development.
Example Lesson: Justice and fairness
Explanation: The book's plot revolves around themes of justice as the main characters strive to correct wrongs and fight for fair treatment for all.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to be fair in their judgments and actions, and to always consider the impact of their decisions on others, promoting a more inclusive environment at school or at home.
Example Lesson: Resilience in overcoming obstacles
Explanation: As the young heroes encounter and overcome various hurdles, they exemplify resilience—a key lesson for young readers.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to persevere through personal challenges, whether they are academic struggles, issues with friends, or other difficulties.
Example Lesson: Empathy and understanding
Explanation: The characters often reflect on the situations of others, leading to a deeper understanding and empathy.
Real-World Application: Through these examples, children can learn to empathize with peers and family members, understanding different perspectives and cultivating compassion in everyday interactions.