City of the Plague God: The Adventures of Sik Aziz
#1 of 4 in Adventures of Sik Aziz Series
on Goodreads (3,464)
What’s inside...
Best-selling author Rick Riordan presents CITY OF THE PLAGUE GOD, an adventure based on ancient Mesopotamian mythology written by Sarwat Chadda, author of the Ash Mistry series. Characters from the Epic of Gilgamesh populate this high-stakes contemporary adventure in which all of Manhattan is threatened by the ancient god of plagues. Thirteen-year-old Sik wants a simple life going to school and helping at his parents' deli in the evenings. But all that changes when Nergal, the ancient god of plagues, comes looking for him, believing that Sik holds the secret to eternal life. Turns out Sik is immortal but doesn't know it, and that's about to get him and the entire city into deep trouble. Sik is not alone; he has allies like Belet, the adopted daughter of Ishtar, the goddess of love and war, and a former hero named Gilgamesh, who has taken up gardening in Central Park. Together, they must retrieve the Flower of Immortality to save Manhattan from being wiped out by disease. To succeed, they'll have to conquer sly demons, treacherous gods, and their own darkest nightmares.
Character compass
Sikander Aziz
Belet
Ishtar
Nergal
Discussion points
What do you think Sik Aziz learned about courage and friendship throughout his adventures?
How do Sik's feelings about his family and heritage change from the beginning to the end of the story?
What would you do if you were in Sik’s shoes when faced with challenges presented by the Plague God?
How do the mythical elements in the story enhance your understanding of Sik's journey?
What are some ways Sik shows resilience and determination in his quest?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their thoughts and feelings about Sik’s adventures. Use examples from the book to discuss the importance of heritage and resilience. Relate Sik's challenges to real-life situations to help your child connect with the character's experiences. Praise their insights and gently guide the conversation to explore deeper meanings and morals in the story.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Courage in the face of adversity
Explanation: Sik Aziz shows bravery as he battles ancient gods and monsters to save his city, demonstrating that even in dire situations, one can act with courage.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to face their own fears and challenges with bravery, whether it’s dealing with a difficult situation at school or standing up for a friend.
Example Lesson: The importance of family and community
Explanation: Throughout his adventures, Sik’s motivations are rooted in his desire to protect and support his family and community, highlighting the strength found in these social bonds.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the value of family and community support, encouraging them to cherish and contribute to these relationships in their own lives.
Example Lesson: Cultural appreciation and understanding
Explanation: The story incorporates elements of Mesopotamian mythology, providing a platform for cultural education and understanding.
Real-World Application: Children are inspired to learn about and respect different cultures and histories, broadening their worldview.
Example Lesson: Resilience and perseverance
Explanation: Despite the numerous obstacles Sik encounters, he persists in his quest, embodying resilience and the will to succeed.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to persist through their difficulties and strive to overcome them, teaching them the value of perseverance in achieving their goals.
Example Lesson: Good vs. evil
Explanation: The book clearly distinguishes between the moral choices faced by characters, providing a basis for understanding ethical decision-making.
Real-World Application: Children can apply these concepts to distinguish right from wrong in their daily interactions and choices, building a strong ethical foundation.