Doña Quixote: Rise of the Knight
#1 of 2 in Doña Quixote Series
What’s inside...
Middle Schooler by Day. Monster Hunter by (K)night follows Lucia Castillo, a young girl in Texas who dreams of becoming a modern-day knight like her eccentric grandfather. When she and her best friend Sandro discover that the town mayor is a shapeshifting beast from Mexican folklore, only Lucia, armed with her grandfather’s magical helmet, can see the hidden threat. Together, they must convince their skeptical town and stop the mayor from wreaking supernatural havoc. This action-packed and humorous graphic novel retelling of Don Quixote is perfect for fans of Mighty Jack, Zita the Spacegirl, and Amulet.
Discussion points
How do you think Doña Quixote showed courage in her adventures?
What qualities make Doña Quixote a good friend and leader?
How can we learn from her actions to be better ourselves?
What was your favorite part of the story, and why?
If you were in Doña Quixote's shoes, what would you have done differently in her adventures?
Tip: Role play these questions
While discussing the questions, connect the themes to your child's daily experiences to make the story more relatable.
Encourage your child to think critically by asking them how the story could relate to their own life or the lives of their friends.
Highlight the virtues of bravery and leadership shown by Doña Quixote by praising similar behaviors when your child exhibits them.
Use examples from the book to discuss the importance of friendship and teamwork, relating them to real-life scenarios your child might encounter.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Courage in the face of adversity
Explanation: In 'Doña Quixote: Rise of the Knight,' the protagonist faces numerous challenges but consistently demonstrates bravery. Her bold actions inspire others in the story.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to confront their own challenges with bravery, whether it's standing up to a bully, trying out for a team, or dealing with a tough subject in school.
Example Lesson: The importance of friendship
Explanation: Throughout the book, Doña Quixote relies on her friends for support and guidance. This shows children how building strong, supportive friendships can be invaluable.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to foster their friendships and understand the value of supporting and being there for each other.
Example Lesson: The power of perseverance
Explanation: Doña Quixote encounters setbacks in her quest, yet she never gives up. This resilience is a key theme throughout the book.
Real-World Application: This can inspire children to continue working toward their goals despite difficulties or delays, reinforcing the importance of persistence.
Example Lesson: Understanding and empathy
Explanation: The protagonist often tries to understand the perspectives of others, including her adversaries. This opens up a pathway to resolving conflicts.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of considering other people's feelings and viewpoints, which can lead to better conflict resolution and stronger relationships.