Children of the Fox: Thieves of Shadow
#1 of 3 in Thieves of Shadow Series
on Goodreads (1,398)
What’s inside...
Five kids with unusual talents are brought together to commit an impossible crime. A magic-infused fantasy brings together a ragtag group of kids to pull off a crime so difficult, countless adults have already tried and failed. Lured by the promise of more money than they've ever dreamed of, five young criminals are hired to steal a heavily guarded treasure from the most powerful sorcerer in the city. The group includes Callan the con artist, Meriel the acrobat and knife expert, Gareth the researcher, Lachlan the procurer, and Foxtail, a skilled climber with an eyeless mask. Despite their shadowy backgrounds and inherent distrust, they must learn to rely on each other to succeed. But magic is treacherous and can betray them at any moment. Facing insurmountable odds, will their luck hold out for this legendary heist, or will their fortunes finally fail them?
Discussion points
What do you think made Jax decide to trust his new friends? How important do you think trust is in friendships?
How did the characters use their unique skills to solve problems? Which character's skills did you admire the most and why?
What would you do if you were in Jax's situation? Would you make the same decisions or different ones?
How do the themes of adventure and mystery contribute to the story? Which part was the most exciting for you?
The book talks about the power of teamwork. Can you share a time when you had to work in a team? How did it go?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to think critically about the characters' actions and motivations, helping them to deepen their understanding of interpersonal relationships.
Relate the book's themes to your child's experiences. Discuss any similar challenges they've faced and how they managed them.
Use examples from the book to discuss the importance of trust and honesty in real life, reinforcing these values.
After discussing a question, lead by sharing your perspective to model thoughtful engagement and promote an open dialogue.
Praise your child's insights to boost their confidence in expressing their thoughts and opinions.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Teamwork and Collaboration
Explanation: In 'Children of the Fox: Thieves of Shadow', the characters must work together to solve mysteries and overcome challenges. This cooperation highlights the importance of teamwork.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by learning to collaborate with peers during group projects or team sports, understanding that combined efforts often lead to better outcomes.
Example Lesson: Courage and Bravery
Explanation: Throughout the book, characters face dangerous situations requiring bravery. Their courage in confronting fears and obstacles is a central theme.
Real-World Application: This lesson can help children face their fears and stand up for what they believe is right, whether it’s in the playground, in class, or in standing up against bullying.
Example Lesson: Problem Solving
Explanation: The young protagonists often encounter puzzles that need solving to advance in their quest. This element of the story encourages strategic thinking and creativity.
Real-World Application: Children can use these skills in academic settings like math or science, and in personal scenarios, where critical thinking is required to navigate challenges.
Example Lesson: Ethical Decision Making
Explanation: The book presents scenarios where characters must make difficult choices, often weighing personal gain against the greater good.
Real-World Application: This can teach children to consider the consequences of their actions not just for themselves but for the community, fostering a sense of morality and ethics.
Example Lesson: Resilience in Adversity
Explanation: Characters in the book often face setbacks and failures, yet they continue to strive towards their goals, demonstrating resilience.
Real-World Application: This lesson can inspire children to persist in their endeavors, whether it’s overcoming a hard math problem, improving in a sport, or dealing with personal setbacks.