Curse of the Night Witch: Emblem Island
#1 of 2 in Emblem Island Series
on Goodreads (2,428)
What’s inside...
On Emblem Island, everyone is born with a predetermined fate indicated by an emblem. Tor Luna, a twelve-year-old with a leadership emblem, despises his destined path and wishes for a different power during the New Year's Eve celebration. The following day, he discovers a curse mark on his skin that predicts his death in a week. To break the curse, Tor must seek the Night Witch, facing numerous dangers on Emblem Island with his friends Engle and Melda by his side.
Character compass
Tor Luna
Melda
Engle
The Night Witch
Discussion points
What is one challenge that Tor Luna faces in 'Curse of the Night Witch' that you think was the hardest? Why?
How do Tor's friendships influence his journey through Emblem Island? Can you think of a time when a friend helped you through a tough situation?
If you could have any emblem from the book, which one would you choose and why?
What lessons do you think Tor learned by the end of the book? How do they apply to your own life or challenges?
How does the setting of Emblem Island contribute to the story? Can you imagine the story taking place somewhere else?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to put themselves in Tor Luna's shoes to better understand his emotions and decisions. Discuss the importance of resilience and courage in overcoming obstacles, drawing parallels to real-life situations your child might face. Highlight the significance of friendships and teamwork as depicted in the story, and relate them to your child's experiences. Ask your child to imagine their own emblem and discuss what personal traits or talents it would represent, fostering a sense of self-awareness and creativity.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of courage and perseverance
Explanation: In the story, the protagonist faces numerous challenges and shows resilience in overcoming them, which portrays the value of never giving up despite difficulties.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to face their own challenges with determination and understand that perseverance is key to overcoming obstacles in life.
Example Lesson: Understanding and embracing diversity
Explanation: The book showcases a variety of characters from different backgrounds, teaching that diversity is valuable and everyone brings unique qualities to the table.
Real-World Application: This helps children appreciate diversity in their own communities and encourages inclusivity and respect for others regardless of their differences.
Example Lesson: The power of teamwork
Explanation: Characters in the book collaborate to solve problems, emphasizing that working together can often lead to better solutions than working alone.
Real-World Application: Kids can apply this lesson in school projects and group activities, learning early on that teamwork can lead to greater success and social harmony.
Example Lesson: Responsibility for one’s actions
Explanation: Throughout the narrative, characters learn that their choices have consequences, highlighting the importance of thinking before acting.
Real-World Application: This teaches children to make thoughtful decisions and understand the impact their actions can have on themselves and others.
Example Lesson: The value of curiosity and seeking knowledge
Explanation: The main characters' quest is driven by a thirst for answers about their world, underscoring the importance of curiosity and learning.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to be curious about the world around them, promoting lifelong learning and exploration.