Mia and the Lightcasters
#1 of 3 in The Umbra Tales Series
on Goodreads (378)
What’s inside...
Beware of the shadows, the Reaper King is coming . . . Mia always dreamed of being an umbra tamer until she met the wild creature on the Nightmare Plains. Since that day, she prefers to stay safe within the walls of Nubis. Safe, that is, until a surprise attack. With her parents captured, Mia's only hope is to travel to the City of Light to find help. But with only her little brother, two friends and one solitary tamed umbra, the journey feels impossible. Mia not only has to overcome her fears, she also has to learn to harness her umbra taming abilities if they are to complete the quest in time. For fans of Amari and the Night Brothers, The Legend of Podkin One-Ear and Nevermoor, this is the first in the sensational Umbra Tales series, illustrated by Ana Latese.
Character compass
Mia Mckenna
Lucas Mckenna
Jada
The Reaper King
Discussion points
What do you think Mia felt when she first discovered her powers? How would you feel in her place?
Mia meets many characters on her adventure. Who was your favorite and why?
If you could have any magical power like Mia, what would it be and why?
How do you think teamwork helped Mia and her friends on their journey? Can you think of a time when teamwork helped you?
What is one lesson you learned from Mia’s story?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to imagine themselves in Mia's world, asking how they would navigate the challenges she faces. Use the story’s themes to connect with your child’s own experiences. Discuss the moral lessons and character strengths to reinforce positive traits. Share your thoughts and feelings about the story to model thoughtful reflection.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Courage in adversity
Explanation: Mia faces numerous challenges as she journeys to save her world, teaching children the value of bravery even when circumstances are daunting.
Real-World Application: Children learn to face their own challenges, such as trying new activities or standing up for themselves and others, with courage.
Example Lesson: The power of teamwork
Explanation: Throughout her adventure, Mia collaborates with various characters, emphasizing that teamwork can accomplish objectives that might be unattainable alone.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by working cooperatively in group activities at school or during team sports, understanding that combined efforts often yield better results.
Example Lesson: Importance of perseverance
Explanation: Mia continues her quest despite setbacks, illustrating the importance of persistence in achieving goals.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the value of continuing to work towards their goals, whether it's finishing a difficult homework assignment or mastering a new skill in sports or arts.
Example Lesson: Embracing differences
Explanation: The diverse characters in Mia’s story showcase the strength found in diversity, teaching inclusion and acceptance.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to embrace and learn from peers who might look, act, or think differently from themselves, fostering an inclusive environment at school or in the playground.
Example Lesson: Resilience in the face of fear
Explanation: Mia often encounters frightening situations but learns to manage her fear, reflecting the importance of resilience.
Real-World Application: This lesson helps children understand that it is okay to be scared and that overcoming fear is part of growing up, which can be applied when dealing with personal fears or anxieties.