Solimar: The Sword of the Monarchs by Pam Muñoz Ryan takes readers on a magical adventure filled with courage, friendship, and environmental stewardship! Meet Solimar, a brave princess-to-be who is entrusted with a powerful responsibility after receiving a mystical gift tied to the kingdom’s monarch butterflies. As she faces a threat from a neighboring kingdom, Solimar must use her wit and strength to protect her people, all while learning the true meaning of stewardship. This story offers young readers a captivating tale of empowerment and the importance of preserving nature.
 
Solimar: The Sword of the Monarchs is part of the Hearth & Story Fourth Grade thematic series, Warmest Welcome. Warmest Welcome takes students on a journey through four novels where characters extend radical hospitality, offering kindness and support in ways that transform both themselves and those around them. These stories explore what it means to truly see the needs of others, act with generosity and empathy, and create spaces of comfort and belonging—even in the most unfamiliar and intimidating circumstances.
 
Though the four novels take place in different worlds, they share a common thread: they feature characters who open their hearts to others without seeking recognition or reward. Whether welcoming new friends, helping strangers, or offering a hand to those who feel out of place, these characters demonstrate the powerful impact of hospitality. Warmest Welcome encourages students to reflect on the ways they, too, can create a more inclusive and compassionate world, one act of kindness at a time.
 
This complete novel study guide provides everything you need to bring Solimar: The Sword of the Monarchs into your homeschool or classroom (except for a copy of the book, of course)! It includes:
 
Thought Questions
Comprehension Activities
Writing Prompts
Short Research Projects
Informational Text Reading
And more!