When Pirates Came to Brooklyn
on Goodreads (32)
What’s inside...
Lee Bloom, a ten-year-old Jewish girl living in 1960s Brooklyn, begins to become aware of the prejudices the people around her have towards others of different religions and races. After Lee comes upon a strange house on Avenue J, she is greeted by its young resident, Polly, who invites her inside for some weird adventures that involve Peter Pan, a group of dangerous pirates, a shipwreck, and flying lessons.
Age
10-12
Length
224 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think Gemma learned about friendship throughout her adventure with the pirates?
How did the pirates change the way people in Gemma's neighborhood interacted with each other?
What would you do if you encountered a similar situation as Gemma and her friends?
Which character in the story did you relate to the most and why?
How do you think teamwork played a role in solving the problems in the story?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to consider each character's perspective to deepen their understanding of the story's moral lessons.
Discuss the importance of community and working together, relating it to real-life situations your child might face.
Allow your child to express their thoughts and opinions freely, fostering a safe space for conversation.
Use specific scenes or conflicts in the book as examples to explore problem-solving strategies with your child.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Embracing Diversity
Explanation: The story showcases a diverse group of children coming together to solve a mystery, highlighting the importance of acceptance and collaboration.
Real-World Application: Children learn the value of inclusivity and teamwork, which are essential for navigating diverse social environments at school and in community settings.
Example Lesson: Courage and Bravery
Explanation: The protagonist and her friends confront pirates, teaching children the importance of facing fears and standing up for what is right.
Real-World Application: This lesson encourages children to tackle challenges with confidence, whether it’s trying something new or standing up against bullying.
Example Lesson: Importance of Imagination
Explanation: The children's adventure with pirates is driven by their imagination, underscoring creative thinking and problem-solving.
Real-World Application: Fostering creativity in everyday situations, enabling children to think outside the box in their learning and play.
Example Lesson: Sense of Adventure
Explanation: The book's plot builds around an adventurous quest, promoting curiosity and exploration.
Real-World Application: Motivating children to explore new activities, ask questions, and actively engage with the world around them.
Example Lesson: Friendship and Loyalty
Explanation: As the children team up against challenges, the story illustrates the strength of friendships and being loyal to one another.
Real-World Application: Teaches the importance of building and maintaining strong, supportive relationships with peers.