Fortune's Fool
on Goodreads (51)
What’s inside...
CONRAD THE GOOD serves as court jester to a most unworthy master: Lord Otto the Witless, who rarely appreciates jesting and acrobatics and more often rewards his good fool with a good whipping. So one night, Conrad flees, leaving Otto's realm in search of a more enlightened master—taking with him only his noble horse, Blackspur, and his beloved, the servant girl Christa the Fair. As they take to the road, they soon learn that along with their quest comes hardship. But for all the hardships they encounter, there are as many unexpected joys and friends in unexpected places, and there is always their love for one another. And always, their destination lies before them: somewhere, a sanctuary where they’ll have the freedom to be together and be themselves.
Age
8-12
Length
210 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think motivated the characters to make the choices they did in the story?
How did the main character change from the beginning to the end of the book?
What lessons do you think we can learn from the challenges the characters faced?
If you were in the same situation as the protagonist, what would you have done differently?
What did you think about the ending? Were there any other ways the story could have concluded?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to think beyond the text by asking them to relate the themes of the book to their own experiences. Highlight the moral dilemmas and choices faced by the characters to help cultivate empathy and ethical reasoning. Use the character's development and personal growth as a springboard to discuss your child's aspirations and fears. Emphasize the importance of understanding different perspectives, and ask your child how they might feel in similar situations. Lastly, keep the discussion enjoyable and interactive, allowing your child to express their thoughts freely while guiding them gently towards deeper reflections.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Resilience in the face of adversity
Explanation: The protagonist encounters numerous challenges and setbacks throughout the story, demonstrating perseverance and resilience.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to maintain their efforts and stay engaged even when facing difficulties, developing a resilient attitude towards obstacles in their own lives.
Example Lesson: Importance of integrity
Explanation: Characters in the story face various moral dilemmas, highlighting the significance of integrity and making righteous choices.
Real-World Application: This lesson encourages children to uphold honesty and moral values during conflicts or when faced with easy but unethical solutions.
Example Lesson: Value of friendship
Explanation: The story showcases the strength and support that friendships provide, especially during tough times.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to nurture and value their friendships, understanding the role of support systems in overcoming life's challenges.
Example Lesson: Learning from mistakes
Explanation: Characters in 'Fortune's Fool' often learn from their missteps, which ultimately lead to personal growth and development.
Real-World Application: Kids can see the importance of acknowledging and learning from their errors, fostering a growth mindset that mistakes are stepping stones to success.