Where the Watermelons Grow
on Goodreads (2,870)
What’s inside...
A debut middle grade novel about a girl named Della Kelly who is grappling with her mother's mental illness. When Della finds her mother exhibiting unusual behavior, she fears that the illness that previously hospitalized her mother has returned. As her father struggles to maintain their farm and her mother denies the severity of her condition, Della takes it upon herself to find a cure using the Bee Lady's magic honey, a remedy renowned in her town. However, Della soon learns that healing may require acceptance and love rather than just a cure. Fans of The Thing About Jellyfish and A Snicker of Magic will be swept away by Cindy Baldwin’s debut middle grade about a girl coming to terms with her mother’s mental illness. An Oregon Spirit Award Honor book. When twelve-year-old Della Kelly finds her mother furiously digging black seeds from a watermelon in the middle of the night and talking to people who aren't there, Della worries that it’s happening again—that the sickness that put her mama in the hospital four years ago is back. That her mama is going to be hospitalized for months like she was last time. With her daddy struggling to save the farm and her mama in denial about what’s happening, it’s up to Della to heal her mama for good. And she knows just how she’ll do with a jar of the Bee Lady’s magic honey, which has mended the wounds and woes of Maryville, North Carolina, for generations. But when the Bee Lady says that the solution might have less to do with fixing Mama’s brain and more to do with healing her own heart, Della must learn that love means accepting her mama just as she is.
Age
10-12
Length
256 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Della Kelly
Mylie
Arden
Mama
Ms. Lorena
Daddy
Discussion points
How do you think Della felt when she was trying to help her mom?
What do you think the watermelon seeds symbolize in the story?
Why is it important to ask for help when we're dealing with something difficult?
How did Della’s perception of her community change throughout the book?
What can we learn from the way Della’s family and friends support each other?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use a calm and curious tone to encourage open communication.
Relate the story to personal experiences or feelings to deepen the connection.
Ask follow-up questions based on your child's responses to encourage deeper thinking.
Validate your child's feelings and perspectives to promote a safe space for discussion.
Discuss the importance of community and support systems, drawing parallels to your child’s own life.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Empathy and Compassion
Explanation: In 'Where the Watermelons Grow', the protagonist, Della, shows deep compassion for her mother who struggles with schizophrenia. Through Della's perspective, readers experience the challenges her family faces.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to understand and empathize with people who have mental health issues, fostering compassion in diverse situations they encounter with others in school or their community.
Example Lesson: Acceptance of Reality
Explanation: Della learns to accept her mother's condition and understands that she cannot fix everything, despite her desperate attempts to find a cure. This acceptance brings a form of peace to her family's life.
Real-World Application: This lesson teaches children the importance of acceptance, especially in situations beyond their control, helping them cope with family challenges or other disappointments.
Example Lesson: Importance of Community Support
Explanation: Throughout the story, the community plays a crucial role in supporting Della's family during tough times. This collective effort highlights the importance of community in providing emotional and practical support.
Real-World Application: Children learn the value of a supportive community and are encouraged to participate and contribute to collective well-being, enhancing their sense of belonging and responsibility.
Example Lesson: Strength and Resilience
Explanation: Della shows significant personal growth and strength as she navigates her mother’s illness, illustrating resilience in the face of hardship.
Real-World Application: This story encourages children to find strength within themselves and stay resilient when dealing with personal or family challenges, promoting personal development and emotional intelligence.