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What’s inside...
Seventeen-year-old Parker Frost has never taken the road less traveled. Valedictorian and quintessential good girl, she's about to graduate high school without ever having kissed her crush or broken the rules. So when fate drops a clue in her lap--one that might be the key to unraveling a town mystery--she decides to take a chance. In another story, before Rapunzel's birth, her mother made a dangerous deal with sorceress Melisande: if she could not love newborn Rapunzel as she appeared, she would have to surrender the child. Born bald and never able to grow hair, Rapunzel is sent away by her horrified mother. Raised by Melisande, Rapunzel learns she has a sister, Rue, who needs her help to break a curse placed by a wizard. Despite bitterness and envy, Rapunzel and Rue must work together to break the curse within a limited time, or Rue will remain cursed forever.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
11-12
Length
192 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Rapunzel
Rue
Melisande
Discussion points
How do you think Rapunzel felt when she discovered the truth about her identity?
What does the story teach us about the importance of courage and honesty?
Can you relate to any of the challenges faced by the characters in the book?
What would you have done differently if you were in Rapunzel’s place?
How do you think the story would change if it was set in today’s world?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their feelings about the characters’ decisions and the outcomes.
Discuss the moral lessons in the story and relate them to real-life situations your child might encounter.
Ask your child to imagine alternative endings for the story and discuss the potential consequences.
Use examples from the book to discuss the importance of understanding and empathy in overcoming challenges.
Encourage your child to draw parallels between the book and their personal experiences, fostering deeper connections with the themes.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The power of selflessness
Explanation: In 'Golden', Rapunzel's willingness to sacrifice her own safety for the sake of others showcases the importance of being selfless.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to put the needs of others before their own, helping them develop empathy and compassion in social situations.
Example Lesson: The importance of embracing one’s unique identity
Explanation: Rapunzel, with her unique golden hair, learns to accept and embrace her differences, which ultimately become her strength.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to celebrate their individuality and understand that their unique traits are what make them special.
Example Lesson: The value of perseverance
Explanation: Throughout the book, Rapunzel faces numerous challenges but her perseverance helps her overcome them, illustrating the rewards of not giving up.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by continuing to strive towards their goals, regardless of obstacles, fostering resilience.
Example Lesson: The importance of making informed choices
Explanation: Rapunzel's decisions throughout the book are thoughtful and considerate, showing the importance of thinking decisions through.
Real-World Application: This can teach children the significance of critical thinking and making choices that are considerate of the consequences.
Example Lesson: Learning to trust
Explanation: As Rapunzel learns to trust in her own abilities and in those around her, she finds strength and support in her community.
Real-World Application: This highlights to children the importance of trust in forming strong and supportive relationships.