Dactyl Hill Squad
#1 of 3 in Dactyl Hill Squad Series
on Goodreads (989)
What’s inside...
It's 1863 and dinosaurs roam the streets of New York as the Civil War rages between raptor-mounted armies down South. Magdalys Roca and her friends from the Colored Orphan Asylum are on a field trip when the Draft Riots break out, and a number of their fellow orphans are kidnapped by an evil magistrate, Richard Riker. Magdalys and her friends flee to Brooklyn and settle in the Dactyl Hill neighborhood, where black and brown New Yorkers have set up an independent community--a safe haven from the threats of Manhattan. Together with the Vigilance Committee, they train to fly on dactylback, discover new friends and amazing dinosaurs, and plot to take down Riker. Can Magdalys and the squad rescue the rest of their friends before it's too late?
Character compass
Magdalys Roca
Crispus
Euphemia Gallant
Colonel Riker
Discussion points
How do you think Magdalys and her friends felt when they discovered their ability to communicate with dinosaurs? What would you do if you had a similar power?
The story blends real historical events with fantasy elements like dinosaurs. How does this change your view or understanding of the historical events described?
What are some ways Magdalys shows leadership throughout their adventure? Can you think of a time when you had to take the lead like she did?
If you were part of the Dactyl Hill Squad, what role would you choose to play and why?
The characters in the book come from diverse backgrounds and face many challenges. How do you think their differences help them work better as a team?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use open-ended questions to promote critical thinking and personal connection to the story, allowing children to explore themes at their own pace.
Encourage your child to draw parallels between the challenges faced by the characters and any personal challenges they have encountered or might encounter.
Discuss the historical context of the book, enhancing your child’s understanding of history and its impact on the present.
Highlight the significance of teamwork and diversity within the Dactyl Hill Squad, emphasizing how differences can strengthen a group.
Support your child in imagining their own fantastic additions to the story, which fosters creativity and a deeper engagement with the reading material.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Courage in the face of adversity
Explanation: The characters in 'Dactyl Hill Squad' demonstrate bravery as they navigate a dangerous alternate history during the Civil War, facing both real and fantastical challenges.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to confront their fears and stand up for what is right, even when it may be difficult or frightening.
Example Lesson: The importance of teamwork
Explanation: As the diverse group of characters in the book come together to fight against injustice, they show how collaboration and relying on each other's strengths leads to success.
Real-World Application: This teaches children to value cooperation and how working together can help solve problems more effectively than working alone.
Example Lesson: Understanding historical context
Explanation: By integrating historical elements of the Civil War with a fantastical twist, the book encourages readers to engage with and understand the complexities of history.
Real-World Application: Kids can apply this to their academic studies, gaining a deeper appreciation and curiosity for history and its impacts on the present.
Example Lesson: Resilience and perseverance
Explanation: The young protagonists face numerous setbacks but continuously strive forward, showcasing resilience.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to persist through difficulties in their own lives, understanding that challenges are a part of growth and development.