About This Book
Escape from Shangri-La tells the moving story of Cessie, a twelve-year-old girl whose grandfather, a stranger to her, suddenly returns after a fifty-year absence. Suffering from amnesia due to cerebrovascular disease, he yearns to recover his lost memories. Cessie, driven by love and curiosity, helps him 'escape' to Dunkirk, a place from his past, hoping to unlock his identity. This chapter book explores themes of intergenerational bonds, empathy, the impact of memory loss, and the bravery found in helping others. It is suitable for children aged 7-11 for independent reading, and can be a powerful read-aloud for younger listeners aged 4-6, sparking conversations about family history and compassion.
When her grandfather suddenly appears after having been absent from the family for fifty years, twelve-year-old Cessie helps him escape to Dunkirk to recover his past.
illness
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Discussion Prompts
1
How does Cessie show bravery and kindness in helping her grandfather?
2
Why do you think memories are so important to who we are?
3
If you had a family member who couldn't remember things, how would you help them?
4
What does this story teach us about the importance of family connections, even with people we don't know well?
5
What do you think 'Shangri-La' means in the context of this story?
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