House of Roots and Ruin: Sisters of the Salt
#2 of 2 in Sisters of the Salt Series
on Goodreads (16,341)
What’s inside...
A modern masterpiece, this classic Gothic thriller-fantasy by New York Times bestselling author Erin A. Craig, tells the tale of seventeen-year-old Verity Thaumas who, despite dreams of adventures, has remained at her family’s estate, Highmoor. When an opportunity arises to paint a portrait for the celebrated Duchess of Bloem, Verity is eager to accept, but her sister Camille reveals a dark secret: Verity still sees ghosts without realizing it. Stunned, Verity flees to Bloem where she is drawn to Alexander Laurent and a budding romance. However, as Bloem's darker side begins to surface, Verity is haunted by nightmares that reveal the true menace facing her.
Discussion points
What do you think motivates the characters to embark on their adventures in 'House of Roots and Ruin: Sisters of the Salt'?
How do the characters change throughout the story, and what do you think causes these changes?
If you were in the story, which character would you want to be friends with and why?
What are some of the challenges the characters face, and how do they overcome them?
Can you think of a time when you had to work together with friends or family to solve a problem, like the characters in the book?
Tip: Role play these questions
Before reading, ask your child what they expect from the book based on its title and cover. This sets the stage for active engagement.
While reading, pause at pivotal moments and ask your child how they feel about the characters' decisions. This helps develop empathy and critical thinking.
After finishing the book, encourage your child to draw a scene or a character they loved. This fosters creativity and deeper connection with the story.
Discuss the book's main themes and relate them to real-life situations your child might face, enhancing their ability to apply what they read.
Encourage your child to ask their own questions about the story. This promotes curiosity and active participation in the reading experience.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of teamwork
Explanation: In 'House of Roots and Ruin: Sisters of the Salt', the sisters must collaborate and combine their unique abilities to solve the mysteries and overcome challenges.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to value cooperation and recognize that working together often leads to achieving goals that might seem impossible alone.
Example Lesson: Resilience in the face of adversity
Explanation: Throughout the story, the characters encounter numerous obstacles and setbacks, yet they persist and adapt to new challenges.
Real-World Application: This can teach children to remain determined and resilient, even when facing difficulties or when things do not go as planned.
Example Lesson: The strength of family bonds
Explanation: The sisters share a deep bond that is evident in their support and sacrifice for each other, highlighting the theme of familial solidarity.
Real-World Application: Children can learn the value of family relationships and the importance of supporting family members through various life situations.
Example Lesson: Respect for diversity
Explanation: The sisters come across various cultures and environments, learning to respect and appreciate the differences that make each unique.
Real-World Application: This can encourage children to embrace diversity in their communities and learn to respect people from different backgrounds and cultures.
Example Lesson: Courage to confront the unknown
Explanation: As the sisters venture into unknown territories and face mystical elements, they display courage and curiosity.
Real-World Application: This lesson can inspire children to approach new experiences with bravery and an open mind, important traits for personal development and learning.