Conjure Island
on Goodreads (222)
What’s inside...
From the award-winning author of Root Magic comes the story of a girl, Delphinia, who is forced to spend the summer with a great-grandmother she’s never met, only to discover her great-grandmother runs a school for Southern conjure magic. After the passing of her mother and with her father often away on deployment, Delphinia has relied solely on her grandmother. However, when her grandmother falls ill, Delphinia is sent to stay with her great-grandmother, Nana Rose, on a remote island off the South Carolina coast. Initially resistant, Delphinia's world is turned upside down when she discovers the magic taught at Nana Rose's school is real. Surrounded by witches, creatures, and ghosts, Delphinia embarks on a journey to uncover her family's hidden past and the secrets of the island, while also coming to terms with her own magical abilities.
Age
8-12
Length
320 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think about the magical elements in 'Conjure Island'? How would you use magic if you had it?
How did the characters' choices impact their adventures? Can you think of a time when your choice affected your day?
What lessons did the characters learn on Conjure Island? Have you learned similar lessons in your own experiences?
Who was your favorite character and why? How do you relate to them?
If you could visit Conjure Island, what part would you explore first and why?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start the conversation by sharing your own thoughts on the book’s themes and ask your child for their opinions.
Encourage your child to think critically by asking how they might handle situations differently than the characters in the book.
Highlight the importance of the lessons learned in the story, and correlate them to your child’s life to deepen their understanding.
Celebrate your child’s responses to foster a positive reading experience and to encourage deeper reflection and dialogue.
Utilize the magical elements of the story to spark creativity, asking your child to imagine their own magical world or adventures.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Courage in facing fears
Explanation: In 'Conjure Island,' the protagonist must confront supernatural challenges on a mysterious island. Through these adventures, courage is depicted as a vital trait.
Real-World Application: Children learn to face their own fears and understand that bravery is not the absence of fear but the ability to overcome it.
Example Lesson: Value of teamwork
Explanation: The characters in the book often need to work together to solve puzzles and overcome obstacles. This highlights the importance of collaboration and supporting each other.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the significance of cooperation and teamwork in achieving common goals, whether in school projects or sports.
Example Lesson: Respect for nature
Explanation: The enchanted island setting emphasizes the interconnectivity between humans and nature and teaches respect for the environment.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to appreciate nature and understand their role in preserving it, encouraging responsible behavior towards the natural world.
Example Lesson: Curiosity and learning
Explanation: The protagonist’s journey is driven by curiosity, leading to discovery and learning. This shows how seeking knowledge can lead to wonderful adventures.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to be inquisitive about the world around them, enhancing their education and personal growth.
Example Lesson: Dealing with loss
Explanation: Characters in 'Conjure Island' deal with personal losses and learn to cope with them, illustrating the process of healing and moving forward.
Real-World Application: Helps children understand and process feelings of loss or sadness, and provides insight on resilience and emotional maturity.