Eyes of the Forest
on Goodreads (1,281)
What’s inside...
After a bestselling fantasy author disappears, only his biggest fan believes he’s in danger and has the courage to uncover the truth in this fast-paced mystery with a chilling psychological twist. Bridget is RM Haldon's biggest fan. His epic fantasy series, Swords and Shadows, created a lifeline between Bridget and her mom as she lost her battle with cancer. When Bridget met Haldon at his only book signing, she impressed the author with her encyclopedic knowledge of the fantasy world he'd created. Bridget has been working for him ever since as he attempts to write his final book. Now, Haldon is missing, and Bridget is the only person who seems concerned. Can Bridget piece together Haldon’s clues and save him before it’s too late? Master mystery-writer April Henry weaves another heart-stopping young adult thriller in this story that seamlessly blends suspense with fan culture. For readers of Courtney Summers and Karen McManus.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
12-18
Length
272 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How did the different perspectives in the story help you understand the characters better?
What would you do if you were in Bridget's shoes and had to make tough decisions?
How did the setting of the forest impact the story? Can you imagine the story set in a different location?
Which character did you feel the most connected to and why?
How do you think the story would change if it were told from only one character's viewpoint?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to think about each character's motives by asking them why they think a character acted a certain way in various situations.
Discuss the importance of setting in a story and how it influences both the plot and the characters. You can use this conversation to enhance their analytical thinking.
Pose hypothetical scenarios based on the book’s events, asking your child what they would do differently to foster critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
Highlight themes like courage and perseverance displayed in the book, and relate them to real-life situations your child might encounter.
Ask your child to summarize different chapters from different characters' perspectives to deepen their comprehension and narrative skills.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Resilience in the face of adversity
Explanation: The protagonist of 'Eyes of the Forest' demonstrates resilience as they navigate through challenges posed by the mysterious forest.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to remain persistent and positive even when faced with difficult situations in their own lives.
Example Lesson: Value of teamwork
Explanation: Characters in the book must work together to solve the mysteries and overcome obstacles, emphasizing the importance of collaboration.
Real-World Application: This lesson encourages children to appreciate the strength of working in groups and supports cooperative learning in school projects or team sports.
Example Lesson: Courage to confront fears
Explanation: The young characters in the story face their fears head-on, showing bravery and growth.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to face their own fears and understand that being brave is about overcoming obstacles despite feeling afraid.
Example Lesson: Critical thinking
Explanation: The book showcases characters using their judgement and reasoning to navigate through complex scenarios.
Real-World Application: This supports children in developing problem-solving skills necessary for academic success and everyday decisions.
Example Lesson: Empathy and understanding
Explanation: Through interactions with diverse characters, the book teaches the importance of understanding different perspectives.
Real-World Application: Children learn to empathize with others' feelings and viewpoints, fostering social and emotional intelligence.