Almost There: A Twisted Tale
#13 of 18 in Twisted Tales Series
on Goodreads (8,021)
What’s inside...
The 13th installment in the New York Times best-selling series asks: What if Tiana made a deal with the Shadow Man? Sometimes, life in the Big Easy is tough. No one knows that better than Tiana, though she also believes that hard work can go a long way. But when the notorious Dr. Facilier backs her into a corner, she has no other choice but to accept an offer that will alter the course of her life in an instant. Soon Tiana finds herself in a new reality where all her deepest desires are realized—she finally gets her restaurant, her friends are safe and sound, and, perhaps most miraculous of all, her beloved father is still alive. She's got everything she's ever wanted. But after a while, her hometown grows increasingly eerie, with new threats cropping up from unlikely places. Navigating through this strange new New Orleans, Tiana must work alongside Naveen and Charlotte to set things right—or risk losing everything she holds dear.
Character compass
Tiana
Charlotte La Bouff
Prince Naveen
Mama Odie
Dr. Facilier
Discussion points
How do you think the main character felt when their plan didn't go as expected?
What would you have done differently if you were in the main character's shoes?
Why is it important to be flexible when things don't go according to plan?
What did you learn about handling unexpected challenges from this story?
How can we apply the lessons from the book to our daily lives?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their own ideas and feelings about the book’s events. Use pauses after questions to give them time to think and respond. Relate the story's challenges to real-life situations your child may face, enhancing their ability to empathize and adapt. Lastly, affirm their thoughts and feelings to build confidence in their own decision-making.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Perseverance
Explanation: In 'Almost There: A Twisted Tale', the protagonist faces numerous challenges but continuously pushes forward with determination and resilience.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by not giving up when facing difficulties in school or personal projects, learning the importance of persistence.
Example Lesson: Empathy
Explanation: The story highlights the importance of understanding and sharing the feelings of others, depicting scenarios where characters must put themselves in someone else’s shoes.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to be considerate and understand the perspectives of their peers and family members, fostering harmonious relationships.
Example Lesson: Problem-Solving
Explanation: The characters in the tale navigate complex situations that require creative and logical thinking to resolve.
Real-World Application: This teaches children to approach problems methodically and think outside the box, enhancing their cognitive skills and decision-making abilities.
Example Lesson: Teamwork
Explanation: Throughout 'Almost There: A Twisted Tale', characters collaborate to overcome obstacles, demonstrating the power of working together.
Real-World Application: Children learn the value of cooperation and teamwork in achieving common goals at school or in sports teams.
Example Lesson: Courage
Explanation: The protagonist often takes brave actions despite fears, showing courage in the face of adversity.
Real-World Application: This inspires children to face their own fears and stand up for what they believe is right, whether it’s in their community or among friends.