Curses! Foiled Again
#2 in Foiled Series
What’s inside...
Defender of the Seelie Courts, Aliera Carstairs, is back! This time her cousin and best friend, Caroline joins her in both the human and the faerie realms--where the stakes are higher than ever. And then there's the Unseelie-defector-troll Avery tagging along, Baba Yaga herself, and much, much more that is rarely what it seems.
Character compass
Aliera Carstairs
Avery Castle
Discussion points
What do you think Aliera's magical foil represents in her daily life?
How does Aliera handle challenges differently in her reality compared to her role in the magical realm?
What qualities make a good friend, according to what you've read about Aliera and Caroline's friendship?
How do the decisions Aliera makes impact her journey in the story?
In what ways do you think courage and fear are portrayed through the characters?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their opinions by asking them how they felt about the characters' decisions and actions throughout the book.
Link discussions to real-life scenarios by correlating challenges Aliera faces to similar age-appropriate challenges your child might encounter.
Highlight the importance of friendship and trust by discussing Aliera and Caroline’s relationship and asking your child about their thoughts on maintaining healthy friendships.
Boost critical thinking by asking your child what alternative decisions Aliera could have made at key points in the story and how that might have changed the outcome.
Discuss the concept of bravery by asking your child to share a personal moment when they felt brave, relating it to Aliera’s adventures.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Courage in the face of adversity
Explanation: The protagonist, Aliera Carstairs, displays bravery as she battles fantastical creatures and navigates complex relationships. Her continuous courage exemplifies how to remain resolute despite challenges.
Real-World Application: Children learn to face their own fears and stand up for themselves, whether it's trying something new or standing up against bullying at school.
Example Lesson: The importance of loyalty
Explanation: Aliera demonstrates strong loyalty to her family and friends throughout the story, emphasizing the value of supporting loved ones.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to value and nurture their relationships with family and friends, fostering a supportive network.
Example Lesson: Responsibility for one's actions
Explanation: The characters in 'Curses! Foiled Again' often face the consequences of their actions, which highlights the importance of thinking through decisions carefully.
Real-World Application: Kids are prompted to consider the implications of their actions and to make thoughtful decisions in their daily interactions.
Example Lesson: The power of perseverance
Explanation: Despite numerous setbacks, Aliera continues to pursue her goals. Her perseverance demonstrates the effectiveness of persistent effort.
Real-World Application: This instills a mindset in children that consistent effort can overcome obstacles, useful in academics and personal goals.
Example Lesson: Embracing uniqueness
Explanation: Aliera’s unique role as a Defender of the Seelie realm teaches her to appreciate her distinct abilities and responsibilities.
Real-World Application: Children learn to embrace their unique qualities and understand that differences contribute positively to their identity and how they interact with the world.