The Firefly Letters: A Suffragette's Journey to Cuba, by Margarita Engle
The Writer's Book Club Selection for November
Join us on Wednesday, November 29 at 7:00 pm ET for the November Writer’s Book Club as we discuss:
“Like the firefly light, Engle's poetry is a gossamer thread of subtle beauty weaving together three memorable characters who together find hope and courage. Another fine volume by a master of the novel in verse.” - Kirkus Reviews, starred review
“This slim, elegant volume opens the door to discussions of slavery, women’s rights, and the economic disparity between rich and poor.” - Publisher’s Weekly
“Through this moving combination of historical viewpoints, Engle creates dramatic tension among the characters, especially in the story of Elena, who makes a surprising sacrifice.” - Booklist
In this quietly powerful novel in verse, which is young adult historical fiction based on a true story, award-winning poet Margarita Engle paints a portrait of early women’s rights pioneer Fredrika Bremer and the journey to Cuba that transformed her life.
A Pura Belpré Honor Book
An American Library Association Notable Children's Book
A Bank Street Best Children's Book of the Year
Click here to watch an AdLit video in which Margarita Engle explains what fireflies symbolize to her. This interview, along with 25 others, can be accessed through the “Playlist” button to the bottom right.
To reserve your spot for the discussion, click below for our Eventbrite page.
$1.00 Minimum (Suggested Dues: $5.00)
Discussion Questions:
How does the poetic form affect your perception of this text? What impact do aspects like word choice, line breaks, rhythm, or other poetic devices have? Why would Engle write in poetry instead of prose?
In what way does this book provide a unique historical account? How do the multiple voices/perspectives play into this? Was there a voice you felt was missing from the story?
How does this book change your perception of young people's role or participation in slavery? What about the ways current youth are educated about slavery, specifically in a growingly restless climate that increasingly bans literature addressing uncomfortable topics?
How does the form and ages of the characters complicate the age at which this book might be read? In what ways is it children’s, adolescent, and/or adult literature?
This story explores several different kinds of freedom, related to slavery, but also gender. How is freedom a multifaceted idea in the text, and why include this variety of perspectives?
American children frequently learn about slavery, but not often from a Cuban perspective. How does the setting affect your reading? How else can you balance focusing on a single history while consciously considering a global history intertwined by the cross-cultural impact of slavery (concerning exchange across multiple oppressed regions as well as oppressed to oppressor relations)?
Consider Engle’s use of fireflies as metaphor as it relates to each of the characters in the book.
Don’t miss our next Zoomie, this time hosted by Jennifer Richard Jacobson:
To Tell, Or Not To Tell
Suspense delights readers. As do major plot twists and reversals. However, knowing when to withhold information and when to reveal, can be like walking a tightrope while carrying a squirmy octopus. Provide too much information (or too much teasing), and the story loses narrative drive. Provide too little information and readers can end up feeling frustrated or duped. In this Zoomie we’ll explore ways of achieving maximum tension without teasing or deceiving.
Reserve your spot now on our Eventbrite page.