Solimar: The Sword of the Monarchs by Pam Muñoz Ryan – Book Review
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Title: Solimar: The Sword of the Monarchs Author: Pam Muñoz Ryan Publisher: Disney-Hyperion Release Date: January 31, 2023  |
On the eve of Solimar’s quinceañera and coronation, she ventures to the oyamel fir forest to glimpse the arrival of the majestic monarch butterflies. She is awestruck with the butterflies’ presence when a strange event bestows her a gift, the ability to see the near future. This gift can also be a burden because it becomes her responsibility to protect the weak and vulnerable monarchs that have yet to arrive. The magic is imbued in her rebozo (or silk shawl), and Solimar must always keep it with her. When her father and brother leave for an annual expedition to Port Rivera, a rival king lays siege to the kingdom. Solimar barely escapes and is the last hope to save her family, the kingdom, and the butterflies, all of which she loves so dearly.
Solimar: The Sword of the Monarchs by Pam Muñoz Ryan is an enthralling adventure story wrapped in magical realism. The fast-paced action makes for a narrative with surprises at every twist and turn. At the center of it all is a strong, brave heroine that readers will cheer for every step of the way. The Sword of the Monarchs reads like a classic but still conveys modern messages for our students of this time.
The Sword of the Monarchs is a perfect read for younger classrooms. Not only does the author’s talented writing encourage deep literary analysis, but the inclusion of monarch butterflies also presents the perfect opportunity for inter-disciplinary learning. Couple the reading of the novel with a Science unit on monarchs and students will have a rich, cross-curricular experience.
Thank you to NetGalley and publisher, Disney-Hyperion, for an eARC of this book.
Classroom Applications
- Cross-Curricular Study – Teach the novel in conjunction with a Science unit about monarch butterflies.
- Literature Circles – Use novel for small groups or choice reading with a variety of fantasy or adventure books.
- Book Club or Book Exchange – Share the novel with students that enjoy reading magical-realism novels.
Nonfiction Connections
The list below outlines topics that will enrich your students’ understanding of the novel.
- Monarch Butterflies
Book Companions
The following are great books to pair with The Sword of the Monarchs. In parenthesis are the specific aspects students could explore when synthesizing across the texts.
- Mañanaland by Pam Muñoz Ryan (Themes, Character Connections)
- Paola Santiago and the River of Tears by Tehlor Kay Mejia (Themes, Character Connections)
*LIT Lessons participates in the Amazon Associate Program and earns a fee from qualifying purchases made on the Amazon.com site.
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