Castle
#2 of 6 in The seventh tower series
on Goodreads (6,738)
What’s inside...
Second title in fantasy adventure series, THE SEVENTH TOWER, from bestselling author, Garth Nix. In the Dark World, society is ranked according to color clans and the most precious commodity is light. In all the world there is only one place that ever sees the sun, a seven-towered castle on a mountain high above the desolate ice lands below. Tal, a Chosen, and Milla, an Icecarl, have been thrown together on a dangerous quest to gain a Sunstone. They must reach the Castle of the Seven Towers, home for Tal, but a dangerous and strange place for Milla. From the deadly Hall of Nightmares to the magical chambers of Tal's great-uncle Ebbitt, they must navigate the Castle without being discovered. Sinister forces are conspiring against them and it will take all their strength just to survive.
Character compass
Tal
Milla
Ebbitt
Sushin
Discussion points
What do you think it would be like to live in a castle? How would your daily life be different?
Which character in the book did you relate to the most, and why?
If you had the chance to explore a castle, what is the first thing you would do or look for?
How do you think teamwork is important in the story? Can you think of a time when you worked with others to solve a problem?
What lessons did the characters learn by the end of the book? Have you learned similar lessons in your own life?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to imagine themselves inside the story, perhaps as a new character or a friend to the protagonist. Ask them to describe their role and actions within the castle.
Discuss the historical and architectural aspects of a castle. You can look up real castles online or in books to compare with the castle in the story.
After reading the book, ask your child to draw their favorite scene or character from the book. This helps reinforce their memory and understanding of the story.
Link the moral of the story to your child’s experiences. Relate the characters’ adventures and lessons to situations your child faces in school or at home.
Ask your child to predict what could happen after the book ends, encouraging them to use their imagination and think about the story's possibilities.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Courage and bravery
Explanation: In 'Castle', characters often face frightening situations that require bravery to overcome.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to face their own fears and challenges with courage, whether it’s trying out for a team or standing up for a friend.
Example Lesson: Importance of teamwork
Explanation: The story showcases how characters work together to solve problems and achieve common goals.
Real-World Application: This can inspire children to collaborate with others in school projects or sports, understanding that teamwork can lead to greater success.
Example Lesson: Responsibility and duty
Explanation: Characters in 'Castle' are given tasks that they must fulfil, teaching the importance of duty and the consequences of shirking responsibilities.
Real-World Application: Kids can apply this by taking their chores, homework, and other obligations seriously, knowing their actions affect more than just themselves.
Example Lesson: Creative problem solving
Explanation: Throughout the adventures in 'Castle', characters must use their wits and creativity to navigate through challenges.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to think outside the box and use their imagination to overcome obstacles in creative ways.
Example Lesson: Moral integrity
Explanation: The protagonists often have to choose between easy options and the right actions, reinforcing the value of integrity.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the importance of making ethical decisions even when it is difficult, encouraging them to act with honesty and morality in their everyday lives.