My Secret Guide to Paris: A Wish Novel
Wishing Day Series
on Goodreads (1,705)
What’s inside...
From the author of the Charmed Life and It's Raining Cupcakes series comes a novel of family, friends, and a Paris adventure you'll never forget! Nora loves everything about Paris, from the Eiffel Tower to chocolat chaud. Of course, she's never actually been there -- she's only visited through her Grandma Sylvia's stories. And just when they've finally planned a trip together, Grandma Sylvia is suddenly gone, taking Nora's dreams with her. Nora is crushed. She misses her grandmother terribly, but she still wants to see the city they both loved. So when Nora finds letters and a Paris treasure map among her Grandma Sylvia's things, she dares to dream again... She's not sure what her grandma wants her to find, but Nora knows there are wonderful surprises waiting for her in Paris. And maybe, amongst the croissants and macarons, she'll even find a way to heal her broken heart.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
8-12
Length
224 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Nora
Felix
Nora'S Mother
Madame Dupont
Discussion points
What did you think about Nora’s relationship with her grandmother, and how did it change throughout their adventure in Paris?
How do the different places Nora visits in Paris contribute to her story and her character development?
What would you do if you were in Nora's shoes and found a list of mysterious clues? How would you feel?
How does Nora's understanding of family and friendship evolve from the beginning to the end of the book?
If you could create a secret guide to your own city or town, what special places would you include and why?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their thoughts and feelings about Nora's adventures and the characters' relationships, highlighting how personal challenges can lead to growth. Discuss the cultural aspects of Paris presented in the book to enhance their understanding of different places and people. Use the book’s themes to connect with your child’s experiences, asking them to relate Nora's journey to their own life in meaningful ways.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Empathy and Understanding
Explanation: In 'My Secret Guide to Paris: A Wish Novel,' the protagonist, Nora, experiences the world through others' perspectives as she connects with her grandmother's past and meets new friends. This helps her develop a deeper understanding of different life stories and challenges.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to appreciate the diversity in people’s backgrounds and experiences, fostering a sense of empathy and compassion which is applicable in their interactions with peers and adults.
Example Lesson: The importance of family bonds
Explanation: The story emphasizes the strong connection between Nora and her grandmother, showcasing how family histories and relationships shape personal identities and values.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to explore their own family ties and heritage, understanding the importance of these bonds in defining who they are and providing a support system.
Example Lesson: Problem-solving and resilience
Explanation: Throughout her adventures in Paris, Nora faces various challenges and unexpected situations that she navigates with creativity and resilience.
Real-World Application: This lesson equips children with the confidence to tackle obstacles in their own lives, using creativity and persistence to find solutions and to not be easily discouraged by setbacks.
Example Lesson: Cultural appreciation
Explanation: As Nora explores Paris, she learns about the city's culture, history, and traditions, gaining a deeper appreciation for the world beyond her immediate environment.
Real-World Application: This can inspire children to explore and value different cultures and environments, promoting curiosity and open-mindedness in their daily lives.