Cathedral of Bones
on Goodreads (415)
What’s inside...
A stunningly imagined world, page-turning thrills, and a pair of unlikely heroes on an epic quest make this unique and immersive dark fantasy--from acclaimed author A. J. Steiger--perfect for fans of Holly Black and Kelly Barnhill. Simon Frost lives in a curious place, where magic is used by the very best Animists to do wondrous things--like call upon imps, wraiths, and all manner of monsters to right wrongs, deliver justice, and accomplish feats no human could achieve. Simon Frost is not one of those Animists, though he's been trying to become one for years. When a plea arrives from a distant hamlet, preyed upon by an abominable monster, Simon sees the opportunity to finally prove his worth. But upon arriving in the tiny village, Simon finds not just a monster but a key to his past--and a pathway into an unbelievable future.
Age
8-12
Length
368 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Simon Frost
Discussion points
What do you think about Simon's actions and decisions throughout the story? Would you have done anything differently if you were in his shoes?
How do the different characters in the book show courage and fear? Can you relate to any of their experiences?
The book mixes magic and mystery elements. Which parts were the most exciting or surprising for you, and why?
Simon faces a lot of challenges on his journey. What do you think was his biggest challenge, and how did he overcome it?
What lessons do you think we can learn from the story about friendship and trust?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their thoughts and feelings about the characters and their decisions, fostering a deeper understanding of character development.
Discuss the magical and mysterious aspects of the book to help your child explore their imagination and creative thinking.
Link discussions back to your child’s own experiences with overcoming challenges or dealing with fears, which personalizes the reading experience and enhances empathy.
Ask your child to predict what might happen next after significant events or chapters to engage their analytical thinking and anticipation skills.
Celebrate your child’s insights and responses, reinforcing their confidence and enjoyment in literary exploration and discussion.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Courage in facing the unknown
Explanation: In 'Cathedral of Bones', the protagonist, Simon, embarks on a perilous journey to uncover secrets and face dark forces, demonstrating bravery and resilience.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of facing fears and stepping into the unknown, encouraging them to tackle new challenges at school or in social scenarios with confidence.
Example Lesson: The value of friendship and trust
Explanation: Throughout the story, Simon forms alliances and friendships that play crucial roles in his quest. These relationships are built on trust and mutual support.
Real-World Application: This teaches children how building and maintaining trust in relationships can lead to positive outcomes and provide support during tough times.
Example Lesson: The significance of accepting differences
Explanation: Simon encounters a diverse set of characters, each with unique abilities and backgrounds. This diversity is essential in overcoming the various challenges they face together.
Real-World Application: Children learn to embrace individual differences and see the strength in diversity, promoting inclusivity and respect among peers.
Example Lesson: Importance of perseverance
Explanation: Simon faces numerous setbacks on his journey, but his persistent effort ultimately leads to success.
Real-World Application: This lesson highlights the importance of persistence in achieving goals, whether in academic endeavors, personal projects, or interpersonal relationships.
Example Lesson: Responsibility towards others
Explanation: Simon learns that his actions have significant impacts on others and understands the weight of his responsibilities throughout his adventures.
Real-World Application: This can help children understand the importance of thinking about how their actions affect others and the value of taking responsibility in communal and familial settings.