Christina's Courage
#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 do you think made Christina feel courageous?
Can you think of a time when you had to be brave like Christina?
How do you think Christina's friends helped her feel brave?
What would you do if you were in Christina's situation?
How do you think the story would change if Christina made a different choice?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use open-ended questions to allow your child to express their thoughts and feelings about the story.
Relate Christina’s experiences to your child's own life to help them connect with her character.
Discuss the role of friendship and support in overcoming fears, emphasizing the importance of helping others.
Encourage your child to think about the various outcomes based on different choices the characters could make.
Praise your child’s responses to instill confidence in expressing their insights and opinions.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Courage in facing fears
Explanation: Christina faces her fear of the dark by using imagination and support from her friends to realize that the dark can be a place of wonder rather than fear.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by tackling their own fears with creativity and seeking support from friends or family.
Example Lesson: Value of friendship
Explanation: As Christina navigates her challenge, her friends support and encourage her, showing how teamwork and empathy are important.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of building strong, supportive relationships and how to be a good friend in their everyday interactions.
Example Lesson: Importance of self-expression
Explanation: Christina learns to express her fears and hopes openly which helps her to overcome challenges and connect with others.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to express their feelings and thoughts openly in their daily lives, enhancing emotional intelligence and communication.
Example Lesson: Problem-solving skills
Explanation: Throughout the book, Christina encounters various problems and learns to solve them through critical thinking and creativity.
Real-World Application: Children can take away problem-solving skills that can be applied to academic challenges and personal issues.