Arabian Challenge (Thoroughbred Series #22)
#22 of 72 in Thoroughbred Series
on Goodreads (487)
What’s inside...
On the verge of fulfilling her dream of riding a thoroughbred in a world-class race, sixteen-year-old Cindy McLean discovers she will be competing against her friend and teacher, Ashleigh Griffin. Will Cindy win her biggest race as a jockey? Cindy has always dreamed of riding a Thoroughbred in a top-tier race, and now at sixteen, her dream is about to become reality. She's set to ride Wonder's Champion, the Triple Crown winner, in the prestigious Dubai Cup. However, Cindy faces stiff competition, not only from world-class horses and jockeys but also from Ashleigh Griffen, her friend and mentor. This race is the ultimate test of Cindy's skills and readiness. Will she rise to the occasion?
Character compass
Ashleigh Griffen
Ian McLean
Beth McLean
Kevin McLean
Cindy Mclean
Samantha Mclean
Mike Reese
Discussion points
What challenges does the main character face and how do they overcome them?
How do the relationships between the characters change throughout the story?
What do you think are the main themes of the book and why are they important?
How would you feel if you were in the main character's place?
What lessons can we learn from the characters' experiences and apply in our own lives?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use examples from the book to discuss overcoming personal challenges and setting goals.
Encourage the child to relate the story to their own experiences and discuss any similar feelings they might have had.
Highlight the importance of perseverance and friendship as demonstrated in the book.
Ask open-ended questions to allow the child to express their thoughts and interpretations freely.
Discuss the consequences of the characters' decisions and actions to teach problem-solving skills.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Perseverance through adversity
Explanation: In 'Arabian Challenge', the protagonist faces numerous challenges but continues to push forward, demonstrating resilience and determination.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to remain determined and keep striving towards their goals, despite facing difficulties in their daily tasks or learning activities.
Example Lesson: Importance of teamwork
Explanation: The characters in the book often work together to overcome obstacles, highlighting the power of cooperation and collective effort.
Real-World Application: This can teach children the value of working collaboratively in group settings such as school projects or sports teams to achieve common goals.
Example Lesson: Respect for animals
Explanation: The story teaches proper care and emotional bonding with animals, emphasizing empathy and responsible behavior.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this by learning to treat pets with kindness and understanding the responsibilities involved in caring for animals.
Example Lesson: Handling competition in a healthy way
Explanation: Characters in the book compete in races but also learn to handle their competitive spirit without malice.
Real-World Application: This lays a foundation for children to engage in healthy competition, focusing on self-improvement and fair play rather than rivalry.
Example Lesson: Courage to follow one's passion
Explanation: The central character pursues her passion for horse riding despite various hurdles, inspiring readers to follow their dreams.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to explore and pursue their interests and hobbies ardently, learning to navigate any setbacks with courage.