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Island of Graves

#6 of 7 in The Unwanteds Series

4.45
on Goodreads (9,328)

What’s inside...

The sixth book in the Unwanteds series, Island of Graves, follows the story of Alex and Aaron Stowe as they face their biggest challenge yet. The magical barrier that protects the land of Artimé is failing, and the twins must find a way to save their home before it's too late. On the brink of war, the fates of both Artimé and Quill are at stake in book six of the series. Alex and Aaron Stowe are at a crossroads. Everything Aaron has worked so hard to build in Quill has crumbled. Fallen from the height of power and influence and left for dead in a foreign place, Aaron has lost everything, and now he must humbly beg for food from those who saved his life. In Artimé, Alex chooses his people over his brother and abandons his search for Aaron, closing the door on that relationship forever. The Artimeans need his focus now more than ever as they face the terrifying power of a new enemy who has taken control of Quill—the notoriously evil Gondoleery Rattrapp. Desperate to stop her, Alex embarks on a risky mission to enlist help from an unlikely ally, and along the way he’s determined to rescue a lone sailor from monstrous beasts with mysterious origins—a sailor who just might show Alex a different world. As he prepares for an epic war with all of Quill and Artime hanging in the balance, Alex must place his faith in a reckless plan...and hope that he and all of his friends make it through alive.
In series
Series reading

Sequential

Age

10-13

Length

528 pages

Text complexity

Character compass

Alex Stowe
Sky
Meghan Ranger
Lani Haluki
Crow
Samheed Burkesh
Aaron Stowe

Discussion points

What do you think motivated the characters to go on their journey in 'Island of Graves'?
How do the relationships between characters change throughout the story? What do these changes teach us about friendship and trust?
If you were in the same situation as the main character, how would you have reacted to the challenges presented?
What are the key lessons that the characters learn by the end of the book? How could these lessons apply to your own life?
What role does the setting of the island play in the story? How would the story change if it took place elsewhere?
Tip: Role play these questions
Show genuine interest in your child's opinions and thoughts about the book, this encourages them to share more.
Relate the themes or situations in the book to real-life experiences or decisions that your child might find relatable.
Encourage your child to imagine alternative endings or scenarios to enhance creative thinking.
Discuss the actions and consequences shown in the book to impart moral and ethical reasoning.
Use praise to reinforce your child’s insights, making them feel valued and boosting their confidence in expressing their thoughts.

Key lessons

Example Lesson: The importance of teamwork
Explanation: In 'Island of Graves', the characters must collaborate and rely on each other's unique skills to overcome challenges.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by engaging in team activities at school or in sports, learning to value each person's contribution.
Example Lesson: Resilience in the face of adversity
Explanation: The protagonists encounter numerous obstacles but continue to persevere, showcasing the power of resilience.
Real-World Application: This teaches children that persistence is key to overcoming difficulties, whether it's dealing with a tough school project or resolving conflicts with friends.
Example Lesson: The significance of making ethical choices
Explanation: Throughout the book, characters are faced with decisions that test their morals, emphasizing the importance of integrity.
Real-World Application: It encourages children to think about their actions and make choices that reflect their values, especially in situations where they might face peer pressure.
Example Lesson: Courage to confront fears
Explanation: Characters often face their fears in the story, which helps them grow and succeed.
Real-World Application: This can help children understand that facing fears, whether big or small, is a part of growing up and can lead to personal growth.
Example Lesson: The value of friendship
Explanation: Strong friendships are portrayed as a vital support system for the characters, especially when faced with danger.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of building and maintaining friendships, and how having supportive friends can help navigate life's challenges.