Christina's Courage (Thoroughbred Series #27)
#27 of 72 in Thoroughbred Series
on Goodreads (401)
What’s inside...
Determined to win a high-level competition, Christina Reese ponders whether she may be pushing her prized new horse, Sterling Dream, too far when the gray mare balks at jumping even the lowest fences. Can Christina control Sterling?
Discussion points
What qualities do you think make Christina courageous? Can you think of a time you showed courage?
How do the relationships between the characters change throughout the story? What do you think influenced these changes?
What challenges did Christina face, and how did she overcome them? How would you handle similar challenges?
Christina had to make some tough decisions. What would you have done in her place?
How do you think the story would change if it were set in today’s world?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start the conversation by sharing your own thoughts on courage and resilience, setting a personal example. Use open-ended questions to encourage your child to think critically and express their views. Relate the story's challenges to real-life situations your child might encounter to make the themes more relatable. Reinforce the importance of perseverance and ethical decision-making discussed in the book. Lastly, allow your child to ask you questions, turning it into an interactive two-way discussion.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Courage in the face of adversity
Explanation: Christina exemplifies bravery as she takes on challenging situations in the racing world, facing her fears head-on.
Real-World Application: Children learn to face their own challenges courageously, whether it's trying out for a sports team, standing up to a bully, or tackling a difficult subject in school.
Example Lesson: Responsibility
Explanation: Throughout the book, Christina takes responsibility for her actions and decisions, particularly in her training and care for her horse.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the importance of being accountable for their actions and caring for others, including pets, with dedication and commitment.
Example Lesson: Perseverance
Explanation: Christina shows perseverance by continuing to pursue her goals despite obstacles and setbacks.
Real-World Application: Children learn the value of persistence in achieving goals, whether it's improving in a skill, completing a project, or overcoming personal setbacks.
Example Lesson: Empathy and Compassion
Explanation: Christina displays empathy by understanding the feelings and situations of others around her, including her competitors.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to be empathetic towards their peers, understanding diverse perspectives and offering support when needed.
Example Lesson: Teamwork
Explanation: The book highlights the importance of teamwork as Christina works closely with trainers, family, and friends to succeed.
Real-World Application: This lesson helps children see the value of cooperating and collaborating with others in group tasks at school or in extra-curricular activities.