Anya and the Nightingale
#2 in Anya Series
on Goodreads (493)
What’s inside...
The adventure continues in this exciting sequel to Anya and the Dragon in which a dangerous monster lurks beneath the city and only Anya can keep him from taking her friends’ magic—and their lives. Perfect for fans of The Girl Who Drank the Moon. A Sydney Taylor Award Honor Book; A Sydney Taylor Award Honor Book Sydney Taylor Honor winner and National Jewish Book Award finalist Anya and the Nightingale is the magical conclusion to the Anya and the Dragon duology for middle grade readers—now in paperback! It’s been a year since a violent Viking terrorized the small village of Zmeyreka and Anya and her foolish friend Ivan saved a friendly dragon from being sacrificed for his magic. But things still aren’t safe in the kingdom of Kievan Rus’. After embarking on a journey to bring her papa home from war, Anya discovers a powerful forest creature terrorizing travelers. But she soon learns that he’s not the monster the kingdom should fear. There’s an even greater evil that lurks under the city. Can Anya stop the monster, save her papa, and find her way home? Or will the secrets of Kiev leave Anya and her friends trapped beneath the city forever?
Character compass
Anya
Hakon
Ivan
Tsar
Discussion points
How do you think Anya felt when she set out on her adventure with Ivan and Håkon? What would you feel in her place?
What are some ways Anya shows her bravery and kindness throughout the story? Can you think of a time when you did something similar?
How do the different characters in the book help each other overcome challenges? Who in your life helps you, and how do you help them?
What do you think is the main message of 'Anya and the Nightingale'? How can you apply this message in your own life?
If you could talk to Anya, what would you ask her and why?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use open-ended questions to encourage your child to express their thoughts and feelings about the story and its characters.
Relate discussions to your child’s experiences, linking themes of bravery, friendship, and persistence to real-life situations they may face.
Encourage your child to imagine alternative scenarios or endings for the book, fostering creativity and deeper understanding of the narrative structure.
Discuss the historical and cultural setting of the book to broaden the conversation beyond the story, linking it to education about different times and places.
Highlight the development of characters in the story and ask your child how they think the characters might feel in various situations, promoting empathy and emotional intelligence.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Courage in the face of adversity
Explanation: Anya displays bravery as she embarks on a perilous journey to save her father. She confronts various challenges head-on, showcasing her determination.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to face their fears and overcome obstacles, whether it’s tackling a difficult subject in school or standing up for a friend in need.
Example Lesson: The importance of friendship
Explanation: Throughout her journey, Anya relies on her friends and their unique strengths to navigate difficult situations, demonstrating the power of teamwork and trust.
Real-World Application: This story encourages children to value and nurture friendships, understanding that cooperation can lead to achieving great things.
Example Lesson: Empathy and understanding
Explanation: Anya often shows compassion to characters who are different or misunderstood, which helps resolve conflicts and forge alliances.
Real-World Application: Children are reminded of the importance of being kind and open-minded towards others, promoting inclusivity and understanding in their interactions.
Example Lesson: Perseverance towards a goal
Explanation: The protagonist’s unwavering determination to rescue her father, despite numerous setbacks, highlights the theme of persistence.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the value of persisting with their goals, whether it means practicing a sport or completing a difficult task.
Example Lesson: Responsibility and leadership
Explanation: Anya often takes charge and makes difficult decisions, showing responsibility for her actions and those under her care.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to take initiative, be responsible in their decisions, and lead by example in group settings like class projects or team sports.