Title: Une Maison Solide/A Stronger Home

Author: Written by Katrina Chen and Elaine Su

Illustrator: Illustrated by Delphie Côté-Lacroix

Translator: Translated from English by Rachel Martinez

Age range: Recommended for grades 2-5

Purchase link: https://www.indigo.ca/products/une-maison-solide

About: Une Maison Solide tells the story of a young boy and his mother who have to leave their home because of domestic violence, and their search for a safe home where they don’t have to be afraid. The book explores what truly makes a home strong by showing that love, kindness, and working together are more important than bricks and walls. The authors do a great job of exploring this complex topic in a warm and kid-friendly way.

Themes: Family, Community, Kindness, Cooperation, Resilience, Belonging, Friendship, Hope

Discussion questions:

1. What do you think makes a home "strong"?

2. Which character did you relate to the most? Why?

3. How did the characters help one another throughout the story?

4. What challenges did the characters face, and how did they overcome them?

5. Can you think of a time when someone helped you or when you helped someone else?

6. What lesson do you think the author wants readers to remember after finishing the book?

Activity: Give each student a paper outline of a house (or ask them to draw one). On the walls, they write or draw qualities that make a home strong, such as love, respect, kindness, honesty, laughter, and teamwork. On the roof, they write the title "Une Maison Solide." Children can then share their houses with the class and explain why they chose each quality.

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