Ember
#1 of 3 in Ember of Elyssia Quartet Series
on Goodreads (23)
What’s inside...
Princess Caelin, more accustomed to the battlefield than her cabinet room, finds herself restless after leading the successful Resurgence that freed the island of Elyssia from the Rosalian Legion. When magical prodigy Alain Flynn breaks into her palace and kidnaps her, she learns of a secret slave camp. Seizing the opportunity, Princess Caelin pretends to be kidnapped to investigate the camp, expose its secrets, and take control of her kingdom's fate. Along the way, she must navigate a world of magic and intrigue, facing danger, acceptance, and forgiveness, as the battle-worn land slowly recovers from the scars of war.
Discussion points
What do you think Ember learned about friendship throughout her journey?
How do you think Ember felt when she faced challenges? How would you feel in her place?
What does the story teach us about bravery and perseverance?
Can you think of a time when you had to be brave like Ember?
How do you think the story would change if it was set in a different place or time?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to put themselves in Ember's shoes to foster empathy and deeper understanding of her emotions and decisions.
Discuss the importance of friendship and teamwork as depicted in the book, relating it to your child’s own experiences with friends.
Share personal stories of facing challenges and overcoming obstacles to connect your child's experience with Ember's adventures.
Use expressive reading to emphasize dramatic moments in the story, engaging your child’s attention and enhancing their emotional connection to the narrative.
After discussing the book’s themes, encourage your child to draw a scene from the book that they found particularly meaningful or exciting.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Empathy
Explanation: In 'Ember', the protagonist learns to understand and share the feelings of another character who is different from them.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this by learning to recognize and respect the feelings and perspectives of their peers, promoting inclusiveness and understanding.
Example Lesson: Courage
Explanation: The story showcases the protagonist’s journey in overcoming fears to help a friend in need.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to face their own fears and challenges bravely, understanding that courage is not the absence of fear, but the ability to act in spite of it.
Example Lesson: Perseverance
Explanation: Throughout the book, the characters face various obstacles but keep striving towards their goals.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the value of persistence in achieving goals despite difficulties, fostering a resilient mindset.
Example Lesson: Friendship
Explanation: The book highlights the importance and strength of friendships even during tough times.
Real-World Application: Children learn the significance of supporting and being there for friends, which helps in building strong, supportive relationships.
Example Lesson: Problem Solving
Explanation: The characters in 'Ember' come up with creative solutions to problems they encounter.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to think critically and creatively when faced with challenges in their own lives.