#3 in Whatever After Series
Fairest of All
on Goodreads (11,357)
What’s inside...
A fresh, modern spin on a classic fairy tale--from bestselling author Sarah Mlynowski! Mirror, mirror, on the basement wall... Once upon a time my brother and I were normal kids. The next minute? The mirror in our basement slurped us up and magically transported us inside Snow White's fairy tale.
Character compass
Discussion points
What do you think about the choices the characters made in the story? Would you have made the same decisions?
How did the characters change from the beginning to the end of the book? What caused those changes?
What challenges did the characters face, and how did they overcome them?
Can you think of a time when you felt like one of the characters in the story? How did you handle the situation?
What is the most important lesson you learned from 'Fairest of All'?
Tip: Role play these questions
While discussing the book, use open-ended questions that allow your child to express their thoughts and feelings in depth.
Encourage your child to relate the characters’ experiences to their own life. This helps deepen their understanding and empathy.
Ask your child to describe their favorite part of the book and why it stood out to them. This opens up avenues for diverse discussions.
If your child is struggling to articulate their thoughts about the book, suggest drawing a scene or a character to help express their feelings.
Celebrate your child’s responses, whether big or small, to show that their thoughts about the book are valued and important.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of empathy and understanding
Explanation: In 'Fairest of All', the protagonist learns to understand and empathize with characters who initially appear to be antagonists. This change in perspective teaches readers about looking beyond first impressions.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by learning to appreciate differing viewpoints and developing deeper relationships with peers who might seem different at first.
Example Lesson: The value of courage and adventure
Explanation: Throughout the story, the characters embark on courageous adventures that require them to face fears and overcome obstacles, highlighting the rewards of bravery.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to step out of their comfort zones, try new activities, and embrace challenges in their daily lives.
Example Lesson: The significance of choices and consequences
Explanation: As the characters make various choices, both good and bad, the narrative shows the consequences of those decisions, emphasizing accountability.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of thoughtful decision-making and understanding that their actions have impacts.
Example Lesson: The power of teamwork
Explanation: The characters often work together to solve problems, demonstrating how collaboration can lead to success.
Real-World Application: This lesson teaches children the importance of cooperating and working with others to achieve common goals in group settings like school projects or sports.
Example Lesson: Resilience in the face of adversity
Explanation: Characters in the book often face setbacks, but they learn to persevere and adapt, showcasing the strength of resilience.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to maintain a positive attitude and continue striving towards their goals despite difficulties or failures.