The Red Umbrella

Consider how Lucia’s idea of home and family changes through the novel. Write an essay that explores the evolution of her ideas.

The way politics affects relationships is a recurring theme in The Red Umbrella. Many relationships are torn apart because of opposing political beliefs. Explore this theme by identifying and analyzing several examples of characters who are impacted by political divisions.

There are two examples of sexual assault in The Red Umbrella. Both Ivette and Lucia are very young when they are assaulted. Write an essay that explores the role of sexual assault in both girls’ lives and why it is significant.

The book is named for Mama’s red umbrella, which of one of the novel’s key symbols. Explore what the umbrella stands for and why it is such an important symbol.

The novel depicts the cultures of Cuba and the United States, which differ in many ways. Write a comparative essay that explores the similarities and differences between these two cultures, as depicted in the novel.

Research the history of Pedro Pan, the mass exodus of unaccompanied children from Cuba to the United States. Write an essay that explains the event and examines how it impacted these children and their families.

Lucia begins the novel with a desire for more independence from her family. She eventually gains the independence she craves, but it is not what she expects it to be. How does Lucia gain independence, and how do other characters respond to her changing personality?

The Red Umbrella is a historical fiction novel. While the details are fictionalized, the story is based on true events. Compare life in Cuba to life in the United States in the 1960s, particularly for children like Lucia and Frankie.