Rilla of Ingleside
- ★★★★★
- ★★★★★
- ★★★★★
- ★★★★★
- Courage
- Empathy
- Boredom
- Complaining
Values
Struggles
Why Should My Child Read This Book?
Rilla is coming of age in a time dominated by the bloodshed and darkness of World War I. Instead of succumbing to cynicism and helplessness after hearing about brutal killings and immense destruction, she forges a deeper, vaster spirit. She not only adopts a motherless baby whose father is away at war and assumes full responsibility for his upbringing, she also leads the local Red Cross Youth chapter to raise support for Canadian soldiers. Most significantly, Marilla supports her mother through the agonizing loss of her own brother. In short, she assumes responsibility for herself. She realizes the vain, petty Rilla of yesterday must give way to the faithful, hard-working, whole heroine of Ingleside. She, along with the reader, appreciates that, despite experiencing the most heinous of times, one can look back with “a queer feeling of thankfulness for them–as if they brought me something very precious, with all their pain.” (p.185-186)
How Can I Use This Book?
- Describe Marilla in the opening chapters of the book? How would you describe her at the end of the book?
- Discuss helplessness and how Marilla does not succumb to it.
- List three ways Marilla puts others before herself even though it is tremendously difficult (at first!) for her? Have you ever put someone before yourself?
- What particular events demonstrate Marilla’s spiritual growth?
- How is Marilla’s experience of World War I similar to how we experience the atrocities in Gaza How is it different?
- This book has many opportunities for teachable moments. The following is a small plot point we feel is important to discuss with children: Marilla helps her friend disobey her father and elope with a man. She believes her friend will be happy entering into a relationship with a man she loves, despite her father’s protest. Why is it important for the family to be a part of the process when considering marriage? Can you ultimately be happy following your nafs (base desires) while disobeying your parents?
What’s This Book About?
Anything I need to be aware of?
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