#5 in The School for Good and Evil Series
A Crystal of Time
on Goodreads (18,374)
What’s inside...
In the fifth installment of bestselling School for Good and Evil series, Sophie, Agatha, and their friends must find a way to overthrow the sinister evil that twists lies into the truth and seeks to rewrite their story. A false king has seized Camelot’s throne, sentencing Tedros, the true king, to death. While Agatha narrowly escapes the same fate, Sophie is caught in King Rhian’s trap. With her wedding to Rhian approaching, she’s forced to play a dangerous game as her friends’ lives hang in the balance.
Discussion points
How do you think Sophie and Agatha’s friendship changed throughout the story? What do you think kept them together?
What choices would you have made if you were in Tedros' position? Why?
Why do you think loyalty and courage are important traits for the characters in 'A Crystal of Time'?
How do you feel about the choices that the characters made when facing challenges? Would you have done anything differently?
What lessons do you think we can learn about forgiveness and redemption from the characters’ experiences?
Tip: Role play these questions
Before starting the discussion, encourage your child to think about the main themes of the book like friendship, bravery, and right versus wrong.
Ask open-ended questions that allow your child to express their thoughts and emotions about the story, avoiding yes or no questions to promote deeper thinking.
Relate the scenarios in the book to your child’s personal experiences to create a connection that enhances understanding and empathy.
Praise your child for their insights and contributions to the discussion to boost their confidence and encourage further exploration of the book's themes.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of loyalty
Explanation: In 'A Crystal of Time', characters demonstrate loyalty to their friends and allies even during difficult times. This loyalty is crucial in overcoming challenges throughout the story.
Real-World Application: Children can learn the value of supporting and standing by their friends and family, especially when they face challenges, which helps build stronger and trusting relationships.
Example Lesson: The consequences of betrayal
Explanation: The story highlights the negative impacts of betrayal when characters deceive their close ones for personal gain, leading to mistrust and complications.
Real-World Application: It helps children understand the importance of honesty and integrity in maintaining the trust and respect of others.
Example Lesson: Courage to confront evil
Explanation: Characters in the book are often faced with the challenge of confronting evil forces to protect their loved ones and their ideals. Their courage is a central theme that drives the narrative.
Real-World Application: Children can learn that standing up against wrongdoing, even when it’s difficult, is a vital character trait for justice and righteousness in society.
Example Lesson: The significance of teamwork
Explanation: Throughout the book, characters must work together to solve problems and defeat the enemies, showing that teamwork can achieve what individuals alone cannot.
Real-World Application: This lesson can encourage children to collaborate with others, understand different perspectives, and achieve common goals in group settings such as school projects or sports.