Charlie Thorne and the Last Equation: Charlie Thorne
#1 of 4 in Charlie Thorne Series
on Goodreads (6,341)
What’s inside...
From author Stuart Gibbs comes the first novel in a new series featuring Charlie Thorne, the world's youngest and smartest genius. Charlie is a genius, a thief, and isn't old enough to drive, but she is the only one capable of saving the world. Decades ago, Albert Einstein created an equation that could either benefit or destroy all life on earth and hid it to prevent it from falling into the wrong hands. Now, a dangerous group called the Furies is close to discovering its location, and the CIA has enlisted Charlie's help to find it first. Using her extraordinary code-breaking skills, Charlie must outsmart Einstein and the Furies to protect the world, even though it places her life in grave danger.
Character compass
Charlie Thorne
Milana Moon
Dante Garcia
Discussion points
What do you think makes Charlie Thorne a great code breaker and how can these skills be applied in real life?
Charlie faces many ethical decisions throughout the book. What would you have done in her place when faced with similar choices?
The book touches on the importance of historical figures and their contributions. What have you learned about Albert Einstein and how has he impacted the world?
Charlie Thorne and the Last Equation involves a lot of teamwork. Why do you think teamwork is important, and how does it help the characters in the story?
If you could possess any of the skills that Charlie has, which one would you choose and why?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express which character they felt most connected to and why. This can help them articulate personal values and traits they admire.
Discuss the ethical dilemmas presented in the story. This can help your child develop critical thinking and ethical decision-making skills.
Link the historical elements of the story to current real-world applications or recent news. This can make the story more relevant and engaging to the child.
After reading the book, work on a simple cipher or code together. This interactive activity can deepen their understanding of the book’s themes and make the reading experience more vivid and memorable.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of perseverance
Explanation: Charlie Thorne faces numerous challenges but consistently uses her intelligence and determination to overcome them.
Real-World Application: Children learn the value of persisting through difficulties to achieve their goals, applicable in academic and personal endeavors.
Example Lesson: Value of intellectual curiosity
Explanation: Charlie's love for puzzles and her pursuit of the Einstein equation demonstrates the joy and importance of intellectual curiosity.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to explore and delve deeper into subjects they're interested in, fostering a lifelong love of learning.
Example Lesson: Teamwork and collaboration
Explanation: Throughout her adventure, Charlie learns to collaborate with others, realizing that teamwork can lead to greater success than working alone.
Real-World Application: Children understand the significance of cooperation and utilizing group strengths in school projects or team sports.
Example Lesson: Ethical decision-making
Explanation: Charlie faces moral dilemmas that require her to consider the implications of her actions on a larger scale.
Real-World Application: Teaches children to evaluate their choices and consider ethical implications, shaping them into conscientious individuals.
Example Lesson: Respect for diversity
Explanation: Charlie interacts with a cast of diverse characters, learning from their varied perspectives and experiences.
Real-World Application: Highlights the importance of respecting and appreciating diversity, promoting an inclusive mindset among children.