Foiled
#1 in Foiled Series
What’s inside...
Aliera Carstairs feels out of place both at high school and at her fencing gym. While she is practically invisible at school, she stands out at the fencing studio. Her sense of belonging is further questioned when Avery Castle walks into her biology class. Aliera must navigate her feelings and decide if Avery will be her Prince Charming or just another disappointment.
Character compass
Aliera Carstairs
Avery Castle
Discussion points
How did Aliera's view of herself change when she discovered the foil's powers?
What role do you think honesty plays in the relationships depicted in the book?
How would you handle a situation where your day-to-day reality suddenly changed, like Aliera's did?
Can you think of ways that Aliera showed courage throughout her adventures?
What do you think the color in the illustrations represents in the story?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to explore the concept of responsibility, just as Aliera does with her role as Defender of the Seelie realm.
Discuss the importance of embracing uniqueness and the unseen qualities that make us special, as illustrated through Aliera’s experiences.
Use Aliera’s character to talk about courage in everyday life, and ask your child to share a moment when they felt courageous.
Facilitate empathy by exploring different character perspectives from the book, and ask what your child might have done in the same situations.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Courage and resilience
Explanation: In 'Foiled', the protagonist Aliera encounters mythological creatures that challenge her comfort zone, instilling a sense of courage as she navigates through these unforeseen obstacles.
Real-World Application: Children can apply courage learned from Aliera’s adventures by facing their own challenges confidently, whether it's a new school, meeting new people, or trying out a new activity.
Example Lesson: Responsibility and protection
Explanation: Aliera is tasked with protecting a valuable heirloom and her family alongside her fantasy-driven responsibilities, teaching children the importance of handling responsibilities with care.
Real-World Application: This lesson can manifest in children’s lives through taking care of their belongings, looking after siblings, or completing school assignments diligently.
Example Lesson: The importance of staying true to oneself
Explanation: Throughout 'Foiled', Aliera remains true to her own interests and passions, like fencing, even when others find them unusual, illustrating the value of individuality and self-acceptance.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to embrace their unique qualities and passions, helping them to develop a strong sense of self and to respect others' differences.
Example Lesson: Empathy and understanding others
Explanation: The interactions between Aliera and different characters, especially those from different realms, showcase the importance of empathy and understanding diverse perspectives.
Real-World Application: This lesson aids children in better social interactions, teaching them to consider others' feelings and viewpoints, thereby improving friendships and family relationships.
Example Lesson: Problem-solving skills
Explanation: Aliera uses her wits and fencing skills to navigate complex challenges posed by her encounters, which highlights effective problem-solving.
Real-World Application: Children learn to apply problem-solving to their everyday hurdles, such as resolving conflicts with friends or figuring out a difficult homework assignment.