How to Train Your Dragon: How to Break a Dragon's Heart
#8 of 12 in How to Train Your Dragon Series
on Goodreads (8,564)
What’s inside...
Stranded on the exceptionally dangerous, and possibly haunted, Beach of the Broken Heart, Hiccup faces numerous challenges including battling Berserks, dodging Scarers, and saving his friend Fishlegs from being fed to the Beast. Alongside his dragon, Toothless, Hiccup must face UG the Uglithug and complete an impossible task, all while being pursued by an old enemy harboring a dark secret about the Lost Throne. Time is running out for him to stage a rescue and fulfill his role as a hero.
Character compass
Hiccup Horrendous Haddock Iii
Camicazi
Fishlegs Ingerman
Excellinor
Alvin the Treacherous
Hiccup
Toothless
Stoick The Vast
Fishlegs
Discussion points
What do you think Hiccup learned about courage and friendship in this adventure?
How did Hiccup’s relationship with his dragon influence the decisions he made?
What would you have done if you were in Hiccup’s place during his challenges?
How do the characters in the book show loyalty to each other?
What do you think the story tells us about understanding and accepting differences?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to reflect on Hiccup's challenges and victories, asking how they might apply similar lessons in their own life.
Discuss the importance of friendship and loyalty as showcased in the book, and relate these themes to your child’s personal experiences.
Use the book’s setting and mythical elements to spark imagination, asking your child to describe their own mythical world or creature.
Ask your child to consider the different perspectives of characters in the story, fostering empathy and understanding.
Create a fun atmosphere for discussion by perhaps pretending to be characters from the book, which can make the conversation more engaging and memorable.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Courage in the face of adversity
Explanation: The protagonist, Hiccup, shows bravery as he overcomes challenges and stands up to dangerous dragons and hostile tribes.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of being brave and stepping up during difficult situations, which can help them handle challenges at school or in social settings.
Example Lesson: The power of friendship
Explanation: Hiccup relies on his friends and they work together to solve problems, demonstrating the strength found in trusting and cooperating with others.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the value of building and maintaining friendships, and how teamwork can lead to success in group tasks or sports.
Example Lesson: Perseverance leads to achievement
Explanation: Despite numerous setbacks, Hiccup perseveres in his quest, which ultimately leads to success.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to keep trying and not give up, even when things seem difficult, be it in learning new skills or completing school projects.
Example Lesson: Empathy towards others
Explanation: As Hiccup interacts with both dragons and humans, his understanding and compassion towards them grow, showing the importance of empathy.
Real-World Application: This lesson can help children develop empathy for their peers, understanding different perspectives and fostering a more inclusive environment.
Example Lesson: Problem-solving skills
Explanation: The book showcases Hiccup's ability to think creatively to solve crises and conflicts, emphasizing the importance of innovative thinking.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to think outside the box and use their imagination to solve problems, whether in academic tasks or in personal life.