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Like the Willow Tree (Dear America) — Content Guide for Parents

By Lois LowryScholastic2020-09ISBN 9781338724325224 pages
Like the Willow Tree (Dear America)

Themes present

Religious themes
Gender roles

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ViolenceScary contentRacial/cultural contentProfanityClimate changeSexual identityLGBTQ+ themes

Content themes

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Religious themes

PRESENT

Contains references to prayer and church attendance. A minister character plays a supporting role in two chapters.

About this book

The heartfelt and moving story of a young girl living through the Spanish Influenza pandemic of 1918, now with a brand new introduction from Lois Lowry.

In 1918, as the Great War rages in Europe, the Spanish influenza tears a brutal path across the United States, leaving devastation in its wake. Ordinary life is turned upside down as schools are closed, and all spheres of public life are shut down.Suddenly, eleven-year-old Lydia Pierce and her older brother, Daniel, find themselves orphans of the flu, and are taken by their grieving uncle to be raised in the Shaker community at Sabbathday Lake. Thrust into the Shaker's unfamiliar way of life, Lydia, a fiercely independent girl, must grapple with a new world that is nothing like the one she used to know.Lydia must work hard, and all the while she worries about her headstrong brother, who has run away. In time, and with her courageous spirit, Lydia learns to overcome the devastation wrought by the Spanish flu pandemic and find the joy in living with the Shakers -- yet she cannot stop wondering, will Daniel ever return?Newbery medalist Lois Lowry's poignant story of a girl living through the Spanish Influenza pandemic sadly seems more resonant than ever before. In the face of COVID-19, readers are sure to draw comfort from Lydia's sense of hopefulness. Now, with a brand new introduction from the author!

Frequently asked questions

  • Is Like the Willow Tree (Dear America) appropriate for a 7-year-old?

    No violence is depicted in the book. The narrative focuses on the experiences of a young girl during the Spanish Influenza pandemic and her adjustment to life in a Shaker community, without any violent content. No genuinely frightening content is present in the book. The story deals with themes of loss and adjustment but does so in a sensitive manner suitable for children.

  • Does Like the Willow Tree (Dear America) have violence?

    No violence is depicted in the book. The narrative focuses on the experiences of a young girl during the Spanish Influenza pandemic and her adjustment to life in a Shaker community, without any violent content.

  • Does Like the Willow Tree (Dear America) have scary content?

    No genuinely frightening content is present in the book. The story deals with themes of loss and adjustment but does so in a sensitive manner suitable for children.

  • Does Like the Willow Tree (Dear America) have religious themes?

    The book features the Shaker community, which is known for its religious beliefs, including celibacy. The narrative provides insights into the Shaker faith and lifestyle, portraying a devout community in transition.

  • Does Like the Willow Tree (Dear America) have racial/cultural content?

    Race is not a central theme in the book. The narrative focuses on the experiences of Lydia Pierce and her family within the Shaker community during the 1918 pandemic, without explicit discussions of race or racism.

  • Does Like the Willow Tree (Dear America) have profanity?

    No profanity is found in the book. The language is appropriate for the target audience, focusing on the historical context and personal experiences of the characters.

  • Does Like the Willow Tree (Dear America) have climate change?

    No climate themes are present in the book. The narrative focuses on historical events and personal experiences rather than environmental issues.

  • Does Like the Willow Tree (Dear America) have sexual identity?

    No sexual content is present in the book. The story is centered around a young girl's experiences and does not include any themes or discussions related to sexuality.

  • Does Like the Willow Tree (Dear America) have gender roles?

    The book depicts traditional gender roles as Lydia and her brother are separated by gender upon entering the Shaker community, which adheres to specific customs regarding gender. This separation reflects the Shaker creed and its implications on gender roles.

  • Does Like the Willow Tree (Dear America) have lgbtq+ themes?

    No LGBTQ+ themes or characters are present in the book. The search results primarily reference other media and do not provide any specific content related to LGBTQ+ representation in 'Like the Willow Tree'.