About This Book
Junot Díaz's debut children's book, "Islandborn," beautifully explores themes of cultural identity, memory, and community through the eyes of Lola, a young Dominican-American girl in the Bronx. Having immigrated at age six, Lola doesn't remember her birth island. Her quest to recall it leads her to interview her vibrant community, who share their diverse, often fantastical, memories. Illustrated by Leo Espinosa, the book blends realism with "myth and magic" in a "candy-colored world," offering a heartwarming narrative about finding belonging and understanding one's roots through shared stories. It's perfect for sparking conversations about heritage, immigration, and the power of collective memory for children aged 4-11.
Discussion Prompts
1
What is something you remember from when you were very little? What do you wish you could remember?
2
If you moved from a different place, what stories would you tell about it?
3
How do the stories from Lola's neighbors help her feel connected to the island, even though she doesn't remember it herself?
4
What does "home" mean to you? Can you have more than one home?
5
How do the illustrations make the island seem magical?
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