THE INCREDIBLE ADVENTURES OF CHANA IN JUDEA

One of the main characters, Herod, has a negative reputation in the Judeo-Christian tradition, which starkly contrasts with his achievements as a builder and protector of Judea—at least according to Josephus. At the end of The Incredible Adventures, the author noted that Herod had committed terrible acts later in life, potentially setting the stage for a sequel. While negative accounts may be true, so are the positives. Is it appropriate to show children that no one is entirely good or entirely evil, but that every person reflects a spectrum of qualities? Are young teens and tweens ready to appreciate this nuanced approach, or should we teach them moral values through the examples of perfect heroes and clearly defined villains?

• Did the book challenge or change any of your prior assumptions about the historical period or figures? What surprised you most?

The Incredible Adventures centers around the friendship of two developing yet already strong female characters—Chana and Miriam. Who do you find more compelling: the strong and uncompromising Miriam, or Chana, shaped by the gentler climate of modernity? Whom would you want your daughter to choose as a role model, and why?

As Ridley Scott noted in the closing titles of Kingdom of Heaven, peace in the Middle East remains as elusive today as it was millennia ago. Are there historical parallels from the Judean Civil War that could inform and perhaps guide efforts toward peace in the region?

As Hegel once quipped (and Karl Marx later echoed), “History repeats itself, first as tragedy, then as farce.” Setting aside both the tragic and farcical aspects, what lessons can we draw from the Judean Civil War—especially regarding what not to repeat?

In the words of George Santayana, “Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it.” Do you think modern children’s and young adult literature focuses too heavily on fantasy at the expense of history?

• The Incredible Adventures intertwines personal relationships with major historical events. How does seeing history through the eyes of young protagonists affect your understanding of that time period? Does it make history feel more personal or accessible?
• Historical fiction often blends fact and imagination. Were there moments when you paused to wonder, “Did that really happen?” How does the balance between historical accuracy and creative license affect your reading experience? (Bonus Question:  Which character in The Incredible Adventures would surprise you the most if he or she were real?  Ask the author!)

While The Incredible Adventures does not deal directly with the questions of religion, it is hard to ignore the historical background of the book, where Judaism struggled against foreign influences and Christianity was born.  Given that the book is written for a middle-grade audience, should it have delved deeper into the issues of faith and the role of Providence in everyday life?

The Incredible Adventures tells the story of an ordinary teenager who has no superpowers yet manages to change the course of history through her loyalty to her friends and her unwavering moral compass. Comic books, on the other hand, feature superheroes with extraordinary powers battling supervillains to save the world. Which approach is more effective in teaching children moral values?

• Despite lacking supernatural powers, Chana becomes a force for good. How does this reshape our idea of what it means to be a 'hero'? What qualities define heroism in the real world?