Ballad & Dagger: Outlaw Saints
#1 of 1 in Outlaw Saints Series
on Goodreads (1,865)
What’s inside...
Almost sixteen years ago, Mateo Matisse's island homeland disappeared into the sea. Weary and hopeless, the survivors of San Madrigal's sinking escaped to New York. While the rest of his tight-knit Brooklyn diaspora community dreams of someday finding a way back home, Mateo--now a high school junior and piano prodigy living with his two aunts (one who's alive, the other not so much)--is focused on one thing: getting the attention of locally-grown musical legend Gerval. Mateo finally gets his chance on the night of the Grand Fete, an annual party celebrating the blended culture of pirates, Cuban Santeros, and Sephardic Jews that created San Madrigal all those centuries ago. But the evil that sank their island has finally caught up with them, and on the night of the celebration, Mateo's life is forever changed when he witnesses a brutal murder by a person he thought he knew. Suddenly Mateo is thrust into an ancient battle that spans years and oceans. Deadly secrets are unraveled and Mateo awakens a power within himself--a power that not only links him to the killer but could also hold the key to unlocking the dark mystery behind his lost homeland. From the author of the award-winning Shadowshaper Cypher series comes the first novel in the Outlaw Saints duology--a brilliant story that will transport readers to a world where magic, myth, and gods reign over the streets of Brooklyn.
Discussion points
How do the characters in the story demonstrate courage or resilience in facing challenges?
What similarities and differences do you notice between the world described in the book and our own? How do these similarities or differences affect the characters?
How do the decisions made by the characters affect their relationships with others throughout the story?
What role do you think friendship and trust play in this book?
How might the ending of the book change if you were one of the characters? What would you do differently?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start by sharing your own reflections on the book's themes and ask your child to relate these themes to their own experiences.
Encourage your child to think about how the characters’ choices align with their own values. This can lead to a deeper understanding of personal ethics and decision-making.
Discuss the consequences of the characters' actions to help your child understand cause and effect within storytelling and real life.
Use questions that prompt your child to consider different perspectives and develop empathy for the characters, enhancing their emotional intelligence.
Let your child express their predictions or alternate endings for the story based on their understanding and imagination, fostering creativity.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Courage in facing adversity
Explanation: The protagonist demonstrates bravery when confronting challenges in the mythical world of San Madrigal.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to face their own fears and challenges in life, learning that courage is not the absence of fear, but the ability to act in spite of it.
Example Lesson: The importance of cultural heritage
Explanation: The story delves into the rich cultural and historical backdrop of the Caribbean, highlighting the value of one's heritage.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to explore and take pride in their own cultural backgrounds, understanding that this forms an essential part of their identity.
Example Lesson: The power of teamwork
Explanation: Characters in the book often need to work together to overcome obstacles, showing that collaboration is key.
Real-World Application: This can inspire children to value cooperation and see how collective efforts can achieve outcomes that might be impossible alone.
Example Lesson: Resilience through personal hardships
Explanation: The protagonist faces personal losses and difficulties but continues to strive forward.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of resilience, understanding that perseverance is crucial during tough times.
Example Lesson: Understanding and dealing with betrayal
Explanation: Betrayal is a theme explored in the book, teaching the main character important life lessons.
Real-World Application: This can help children to develop coping strategies for dealing with disappointment and learning to forgive.