Darwen Arkwright and the Peregrine Pact
#1 of 2 in Darwen Arkwright Series
on Goodreads (495)
What’s inside...
Eleven-year-old Darwen Arkwright has spent his whole life in a tiny town in England. So when he is forced to move to Atlanta, Georgia, to live with his aunt, he knows things will be different - but what he finds there is beyond even his wildest imaginings! Darwen discovers an enchanting world through the old mirror hanging in his closet - a world that holds as many dangers as it does wonders. Scrobblers on motorbikes with nets big enough to fit a human boy. Gnashers with no eyes, but monstrous mouths full of teeth. Flittercrakes with bat-like bodies and the faces of men. Along with his new friends Rich and Alexandra, Darwen becomes entangled in an adventure and a mystery that involves the safety of his entire school. They soon realize that the creatures are after something in our world - something that only human children possess.
Character compass
Darwen Arkwright
Alex Knight
Aunt Honoria
Rich
Mr. Peregrine
Mrs. Octavia Crisp
Discussion points
What would you do if you discovered a magical world like Darwen? How would you feel?
Can you relate to Darwen feeling like an outsider at his new school? Have you ever felt the same way, and what helped you adjust?
What do you think about the friendships formed in the story? How do the characters support each other through challenges?
How do the choices Darwen makes affect his adventures? Do you think his decisions were good or bad, and why?
What lessons did you learn from Darwen’s experiences? How could these lessons help you in your own life?
Tip: Role play these questions
Highlight the importance of bravery and curiosity, as displayed by Darwen, to encourage your child to discuss personal experiences where they showed or could show courage.
Relate the theme of friendship and teamwork in the book to your child’s experiences with friends, which can help them connect deeply with the characters.
Ask open-ended questions that prompt your child to think critically about the characters' decisions and the consequences, fostering a higher level of engagement and analytical thinking.
Use examples from the book to discuss the importance of making good choices and learning from one’s mistakes, weaving in personal or family stories that echo this theme.
Encourage your child to imagine and describe their own magical world, enhancing their creativity and engagement with the theme of exploration in the book.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of courage and resilience
Explanation: Darwen Arkwright faces numerous challenges in a fantastical world, showing bravery and perseverance.
Real-World Application: Children learn to face their own fears and challenges with determination, whether at school, in sports, or in social interactions.
Example Lesson: The value of friendship and teamwork
Explanation: Darwen, along with his friends, works together to solve mysteries and face dangers, highlighting the power of collaboration.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the importance of cooperation and helping others in group projects or family tasks.
Example Lesson: Embracing differences
Explanation: Characters in the book come from diverse backgrounds and have unique abilities, promoting acceptance and inclusivity.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to appreciate diverse cultures and perspectives in their classrooms and communities.
Example Lesson: Problem-solving skills
Explanation: The protagonists use critical thinking and creativity to navigate obstacles.
Real-World Application: Kids learn to apply thoughtful analysis and innovative thinking to homework and other real-life problems.
Example Lesson: The impact of choices on consequences
Explanation: The book showcases how decisions can lead to various outcomes, teaching accountability.
Real-World Application: It helps children understand that their choices have effects, guiding them to make responsible decisions.