Amulets of Acacia
#1 in The Acacia Chronicles Series
on Goodreads (2)
What’s inside...
An old man's attempt to reclaim lost amulets leads his grandsons, Scott and Will, into the enchanted land of Acacia. There, they discover distinct powers that come with responsibilities to honor the land. When the villain Dryden overpowers Acacia with a force thought to be unmatched, the only hope lies in a ten-year-old boy from the outside world who possesses the power to challenge Dryden and wants to return home.
Discussion points
What do you think are the most important qualities that the heroes in 'Amulets of Acacia' possess?
How would you use an amulet if you had one? What powers would it have?
What do you think the characters learned at the end of their adventure?
Which character did you relate to the most, and why?
How do you think the story would change if it took place in our town today?
Tip: Role play these questions
Be open-minded and genuinely interested in your child's responses to show that their thoughts and opinions are valued.
Relate the discussion to real-life scenarios to make the themes more relatable and understandable for your child.
Encourage your child to imagine beyond the story by asking what they would do differently if they were in the characters' shoes.
Use follow-up questions to delve deeper into your child’s thoughts and feelings about the story.
Praise creative and original ideas to boost your child's confidence in expressing themselves.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of teamwork
Explanation: In 'Amulets of Acacia', characters must work together to solve puzzles and overcome obstacles, demonstrating that collaboration is key to achieving goals.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to collaborate with others in school projects or during sports, understanding that combined efforts often lead to successful outcomes.
Example Lesson: Courage and facing fears
Explanation: The protagonist shows bravery in confronting challenges throughout their quest, teaching children that courage is not the absence of fear, but acting despite it.
Real-World Application: Kids can apply this when dealing with their own fears or challenges, whether it's trying out for a team, standing up for what is right, or tackling a difficult subject at school.
Example Lesson: The value of perseverance
Explanation: The characters in the book frequently encounter setbacks, yet they continue to press forward, emphasizing the message that perseverance is crucial.
Real-World Application: This lesson is vital when children need to persist through difficult tasks or continue trying even when they face academic or personal challenges.
Example Lesson: Respect for diverse cultures
Explanation: As characters explore different lands and encounter various cultures in their journey, respect and open-mindedness are consistently modeled.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to be respectful and curious about different cultures they learn about in school or meet in their community.
Example Lesson: The power of clever thinking
Explanation: Several problems in the story are solved not through strength but through clever use of resources and intellect, highlighting the importance of smarts over brute force.
Real-World Application: Children can be encouraged to think creatively to solve problems, whether in academic settings or in everyday life challenges.