SWS IDEA Working Group
Loujain Dreams of Sunflowers
A courageous girl follows her dream of learning to fly, even though the rules tell her she and other girls can't. Inspired by formerly imprisoned human rights activist, and co-author's Lina Al-Hathloul's sister, Loujain Al-Hathloul,
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In this guide, you can find ways to help you more deeply engage with Loujain Dreams of Sunflowers and its themes:
"The idea we had [when we wrote the book] was not only to raise awareness, and educate kids, but to inspire them. A lot of young girls know Loujain...they see her as a fighter and not as someone who suffered. One of the most important messages we want to put out is that if you 'fight you can win'."
Reading Tips
Make reading a family affair by reading and talking about the book together as a family. Re-read or ask an older child to re-read to a younger child.
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Here are some terms to help talk about, and explain book themes, with your little ones:
Courage
Another word for "bravery". Doing something that is right, even if it seems scary or you are afraid.
Activist
A person who takes action to make the change they want to see in the world.
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Activists can be writers, artists, scientists, teachers, community leaders—anyone who wants to make the world a better place and takes steps to make that happen. Some kids are activists, too!
Imprisoned
To keep or put in prison. ​
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The real Loujain was imprisoned for five years for breaking laws that she thought were unfair, like the law that women could not drive in her country. She was released in February 2021.
Inspire
To make someone want to do something; to give someone an idea about what to do or create.
Saudia Arabia's Ban on Women Driving
In 1957, the Saudi Arabian government made a law that women could not drive. In 1990, activists began to stand up for women's right to drive.
In Loujain Dreams of Sunflowers, the authors use flying to represent the real Loujain's successful campaign for Saudi women's right to drive.
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Read "The road to Saudi women driving: 30 years of activism"
Discussion Questions
Books are a great way for grown-ups to open the door to meaningful conversations about big topics with our little ones. Below are some questions to open dialogue and deepen understanding about the themes in Loujain Dreams of Sunflowers.
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Loujain didn’t let an unfair rule get in her way. Can you think of any unfair rules? What can you do to help other people realize the rule is unfair and get it changed?
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What were some things inside Loujain that pushed her to do something new and brave? What were some things outside Loujain that helped her do it?
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In the beginning of the book, girls were not allowed to fly. How did that make you feel? Can you think of an example of a time when girls were not treated the same as others?
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How do you think Loujain felt when people told her that she couldn’t fly? How do you think she felt when she learned how to do it?
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Why was Loujain’s picture put in the newspaper? What impact do you think it had?
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“Do you believe you can fly? I know you will fly—not immediately, but definitely.”
Pause: The book began and ended with these words. Why is that important? How do we learn to fly? Who can help us? Once we fly, what comes next? How can we help other people fly?
Grown-ups: What are some ways the world has become more fair since you were a child? What are some things that you think are unfair and want to change?
Dig Deeper
Loujain Dreams of Sunflowers is a fictional story about a real person who used courage to make change. Read more about Loujain AlHathloul and learn about some of many (many) other women of Arab descent who used their power and skills to fulfill their dreams and change the world.
Saudi Women's Rights Activists
Interview with Loujain Dreams of Sunflowers' authors
Lawyer, Activitst, Women’s March Organizer
Pediatrician, Flint Water Crisis Whistleblower
Congresswoman, First Palestinian American Woman in Congress
Comedienne, Disability Advocate
Artist, Political Activist
First International Figure Skater from United Arab Emirates and First to Wear a Hijab
Dig Deeper
In the book, Lejoun had a wall of colors made up of photos she took of colorful things on her walk to school. Make a list of colorful things you see during your day. Draw or take photos of these colorful items, or cut out pictures from a magazine, and add them to our color wall below.
Connection to Previous Months:
Civil Disobedience
Civil disobedience is one tool some activists use to make change. Civil disobedience is a form of protest that involves breaking unfair laws on purpose.
Loujain and other activists used civil disobedience by leading a campaign, Women2Drive, that encouraged Saudi women to defy the ban on women driving. They did this by driving as part of their normal lives. This protest got the attention and support of people all over the world.
Can you remember other people we read about this year who used civil disobedience?
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