Fallen Star
#43 of 72 in Thoroughbred Series
What’s inside...
When Christina Reese's horse, Wonder Star, becomes ill, she faces a dilemma between her racing career and her cherished horse. Christina meets Cindy Blake, a renowned jockey and distant relative, at a track in New York. Cindy turns out to be a harsh mentor, offering little support. When Star contracts a deadly virus, both Christina and Cindy unite to save Star's life, leading Christina to realize she values Star's life more than racing.
Discussion points
What do you think made the star fall from the sky and how do you think it felt?
Can you imagine what you would do if you found a fallen star?
What does the star's journey teach us about friendship and helping others?
How do you think the story would change if the star didn’t meet any friends along the way?
What did you learn from the star's adventure?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage children to express their thoughts and feelings about the story, relating it to their own experiences of friendship and challenges.
Ask your child to draw their version of the fallen star and its journey, using this as a springboard for discussion about the story’s themes.
Use expressive read-aloud techniques, changing your tone and pace to match the mood of the story, to make the tale more engaging.
After reading, explore the motifs of hope and resilience together and discuss personal instances where your child demonstrated these traits.
Create a 'what if?' scenario game, where you both think of different outcomes for the book, encouraging creativity and problem-solving.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Resilience in the face of adversity
Explanation: In 'Fallen Star', the protagonist overcomes numerous challenges to achieve their goal, demonstrating perseverance.
Real-World Application: Children learn the value of persisting through difficulties, which is applicable in overcoming everyday obstacles like difficult homework or learning new skills.
Example Lesson: The importance of friendship
Explanation: The book showcases how friends support each other during tough times, enhancing the protagonist's ability to succeed.
Real-World Application: This lesson teaches children to value and nurture friendships, which can provide emotional support and collaboration in their own lives.
Example Lesson: Embracing uniqueness
Explanation: The protagonist’s unique qualities are initially seen as setbacks, but ultimately contribute to their success.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to appreciate and embrace their own and others' unique traits, promoting self-confidence and inclusivity in social settings.