In the Serpent's Wake: Tess of the Road
#2 of 2 in Tess of the Road Series
on Goodreads (1,546)
What’s inside...
At the bottom of the world lies a Serpent, the last of its kind, with the potential to change lives. Tess, Spira, Marga, and Jacomo are all on a mission related to the Serpent, each with their own personal motivations and challenges. As they navigate a world with people ready to protect or destroy the Serpent, the key to finding it lies in awakening to the world around them—with eyes open to the wondrous, the terrible, and the just.
Discussion points
How did Tess's journey change her understanding of friendship and loyalty?
What challenges did Tess face and how did she overcome them? How would you handle similar situations?
Tess encounters various creatures and characters with different backgrounds and beliefs. What can we learn from her interactions?
In what ways do Tess's adventures help her learn more about who she is and who she wants to be?
What role do courage and resilience play in Tess's story? Can you think of a time when you had to be brave?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to reflect on Tess’s emotions and decisions at different points in the story, and relate them to their own experiences.
Discuss the importance of understanding and celebrating differences, drawing parallels from Tess's interactions with diverse characters.
Highlight moments in the book where Tess displays bravery or makes tough choices, and ask your child what they would do in her shoes.
Use examples from the book to talk about the importance of personal growth and learning from one's mistakes.
Create a 'journey journal' where your child can write about their personal journey and moments of learning, inspired by Tess's story.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Resilience in the face of adversity
Explanation: The protagonist, Tess, encounters numerous challenges on her journey but continually finds the strength to overcome them.
Real-World Application: Children can learn the importance of perseverance and courage when they face difficult situations in their own lives.
Example Lesson: The value of friendship and trust
Explanation: Throughout the story, Tess relies on her friends for support and learns the significance of trust in building relationships.
Real-World Application: This lesson teaches children about the importance of building healthy, supportive relationships and trusting those they care about.
Example Lesson: Self-discovery and personal growth
Explanation: Tess's journey is as much inward as it is outward, as she learns more about herself and grows as an individual.
Real-World Application: Encouraging children to explore their own interests and passions can help them develop a strong sense of self and personal identity.
Example Lesson: Empathy and understanding
Explanation: Tess encounters various cultures and creatures, learning to understand and empathize with their perspectives and experiences.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to appreciate and respect diverse perspectives, fostering an inclusive attitude towards others.
Example Lesson: Responsibility and making choices
Explanation: The protagonist makes decisions that have significant consequences, illustrating the weight of responsibility.
Real-World Application: This can teach children about the impact of their choices and the importance of thinking through decisions carefully.