Games Wizards Play (Young Wizards Book 10)
#10 of 10 in Young Wizards Series
on Goodreads (1,494)
What’s inside...
Every eleven years, Earth's senior wizards hold the Invitational: an intensive three-week event where the planet's newest, sharpest young wizards show off their best and hottest spells. Wizardly partners Kit Rodriguez and Nita Callahan, and Nita's sister, former wizard-prodigy Dairine Callahan, are drafted in to mentor two brilliant and difficult cases: for Nita and Kit, there's Penn Shao-Feng, a would-be sun technician with a dangerous new take on managing solar weather; and for Dairine, there's shy young Mehrnaz Farrahi, an Iranian wizard-girl trying to specialize in defusing earthquakes while struggling with a toxic extended wizardly family that demands she perform to their expectations. Together they're plunged into a whirlwind of cutthroat competition and ruthless judging. Penn's egotistical attitude toward his mentors complicates matters as the pair tries to negotiate their burgeoning romance. Meanwhile, Dairine struggles to stabilize her hero-worshipping, insecure protégée against the interference of powerful relatives using her to further their own tangled agendas. When both candidates make it through to the finals stage on the dark side of the Moon, they and their mentors are flung into a final conflict that could change the solar system for the better . . . or damage Earth beyond even wizardly repair.
Character compass
Nita Callahan
Kit Rodriguez
Dairine Callahan
Penn Shao-Feng
Carl Romeo
Tom Swale
Discussion points
What do you think about the challenges the characters face in the tournament? How would you handle similar situations?
The characters use their magical abilities to solve problems. What are some 'powers' you think you have when facing challenges?
Games Wizards Play explores themes of teamwork and competition. Can you share a time when you had to work with others to achieve a goal?
How do you think the characters grow throughout the story? Which character do you relate to the most and why?
Ethics and responsibility are important aspects of the book. What do you think it means to be responsible with the 'powers' or abilities you have?
Tip: Role play these questions
Before discussing, encourage your child to think about their favorite parts of the book or any questions they might have.
Connect themes of the book with real-life situations your child might encounter, such as teamwork in school projects or handling competition in sports.
Ask open-ended questions that promote empathy by asking how they feel about the characters’ decisions and the outcomes.
Discuss the importance of growth and learning from mistakes, both in the book and in your child’s experiences.
Create a comfortable environment for conversation where your child feels heard and validated in their thoughts and feelings about the story.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Responsibility and Accountability
Explanation: Characters in 'Games Wizards Play' participate in a wizardly competition that emphasizes the importance of responsibly using their powers. They learn that their actions have consequences.
Real-World Application: This lesson can help children understand the importance of taking responsibility for their actions and being accountable for the outcomes in their daily activities, such as schoolwork or chores.
Example Lesson: Teamwork and Collaboration
Explanation: Throughout the story, characters must work together to solve complex magical problems. Their success often depends on collaborative efforts and combining their unique talents.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson in group projects at school or when playing sports, learning that cooperation and valuing each team member’s contribution leads to greater achievements.
Example Lesson: Persistence and Problem-Solving
Explanation: The young wizards face numerous challenges which they must overcome through determination and creative problem-solving, demonstrating the power of persistence.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to persistently tackle their own challenges, such as difficult homework or learning new skills, and to think creatively to find solutions.
Example Lesson: Ethics and Integrity
Explanation: The competition setting also brings up ethical dilemmas about fairness and the right use of power, teaching the characters to uphold integrity.
Real-World Application: This can help children reflect on their choices and encourage them to act with integrity and fairness in interactions with others, even in competitive situations.
Example Lesson: Confidence and Self-Belief
Explanation: As the young wizards prepare and participate in the competition, they develop confidence in their abilities and magic, learning to believe in themselves.
Real-World Application: This lesson supports children in building self-esteem and confidence in their capabilities, motivating them to take on new challenges without fear of failure.