Islandborn: questions to ask and activities to try
Lola can't remember the Island she left as a baby, so she asks everyone she knows. Islandborn is a powerful story about family memories, heritage and imagination.
What age is it for? Islandborn is best for ages 5–8. Good for: Where your family comes from, and memories of home.
Islandborn (Junot Díaz and Leo Espinosa)
- Age
- 5-8
- Best for
- Where your family comes from, and memories of home
Read it and then ask family members about places they come from. Talk about how memories can be shared.
What it helps with
- Heritage and where families come from
- Immigration
- Family stories and memories
- Imagination
Comprehension and discussion questions
Pick two or three, not all of them. “I don’t know” is a fine answer, and you can always come back to it another day.
- “Where was everyone in Lola’s school from?”
- “What did the teacher ask?”
- “Why couldn’t Lola remember?”
- “Who did she ask?”
- “What did they tell her?”
- “Where does our family come from?”
5-minute activities to try together
Family interview
Ask a grandparent three questions about where they grew up.
Draw a place
Draw a place from a family story, without having seen it.
Free printables: Islandborn worksheet and activity pack
This book’s one-page worksheet with the questions and activities above, plus our activity pack: printable scenario cards, three 5-minute activities and a “What could I try?” page for practising everyday skills together. Enter your email and download them straight away.
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If your child liked this, try
Coming to England (Floella Benjamin and Diane Ewen)
- Best for
- Moving country, and the Windrush generation
- Age
- 5-8
Noah's New Home (Zeshan Akhter and Nabila Adani)
- Best for
- Arriving somewhere new as a refugee
- Age
- 4-8
Eyes That Kiss in the Corners (Joanna Ho and Dung Ho)
- Best for
- Loving your eyes and your heritage
- Age
- 4-8
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By the Growing Wise team · Last reviewed: 10 October 2026
Growing Wise offers educational ideas for parents and carers. It is not a substitute for professional medical, developmental or mental-health advice. As an Amazon Associate, Growing Wise earns from qualifying purchases.