Night Witches
#1 in City Five Series
on Goodreads (115)
What’s inside...
TWO NATIONS AT WAR. ONE GIRL CAUGHT IN THE MIDDLE. Rain Aranoza is a teenage bomber-pilot from Rodina, a nation of science and fact ruled by the all knowing Aura, where the belief in witches or any type of superstition is outlawed. Rain's regiment is made up of only teenage girls and their role is vital to the war effort against the Crux, a nation of faith and belief, where nature and God are celebrated and worshipped. But Rain is struggling with another battle. She's always had a sense that her nature is different from everyone else's, and that a dormant power threatens to burst out of her. When she encounters a young Scrutiner she falls in love with him, but is torn between what she has been taught is right, and what feels right. As her understanding of her latent power grows, the enemy threatens both her friends and her love. She can no longer ignore the power but she must choose how she uses it... But what will she lose in the process?
Character compass
Tasha
Anna
Discussion points
What qualities do you admire most about the characters in 'Night Witches'? How do you see these qualities in yourself or others?
How do the characters handle challenges in the story? What would you do if you were in their place?
Why do you think teamwork was important for the Night Witches? Can you think of a time when you had to work as a team?
The Night Witches faced many obstacles. What lesson can we learn from their perseverance and bravery?
Tip: Role play these questions
While discussing the book, relate the historical context of the Night Witches to current events or personal family history to make the story more relatable.
Encourage your child to express their thoughts and feelings about the characters and situations, validating their emotions and perspectives.
Ask your child to draw parallels between the bravery shown by the characters and real-life situations where they may need to show courage.
Create a supportive environment where your child feels comfortable asking questions about the book’s themes, such as gender roles, history, and teamwork.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Courage and resilience
Explanation: In 'Night Witches,' the young female pilots show immense courage and resilience as they embark on dangerous missions during World War II. Their bravery in the face of adversity is a central theme.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to face their fears and challenges with bravery. Whether it's dealing with school pressures or standing up for themselves, the story teaches them to persevere and be strong.
Example Lesson: Teamwork and collaboration
Explanation: The female pilots, known as the Night Witches, rely on teamwork and support each other to successfully complete their missions. Working together is crucial for their survival.
Real-World Application: This highlights the importance of cooperating and valuing each other’s contributions, skills that are essential in group projects at school or sports teams.
Example Lesson: Equality and empowerment
Explanation: The story portrays women taking on roles traditionally held by men, demonstrating their capabilities and challenging societal expectations.
Real-World Application: It encourages children, especially girls, to pursue their interests and ambitions no matter the societal norms, promoting gender equality and self-confidence.
Example Lesson: Historical awareness
Explanation: The book provides a window into the lesser-known aspects of World War II, focusing on the contributions of female pilots from the Soviet Union.
Real-World Application: Children gain an appreciation for history and learn about diverse perspectives, understanding the importance of recognizing all contributions to significant events regardless of gender or nationality.
Example Lesson: Integrity and moral judgment
Explanation: The characters often face tough decisions that test their ethics and integrity, emphasizing the importance of doing what is right even in trying times.
Real-World Application: Helps children understand the value of ethical decision-making and encourages them to think critically about right and wrong in their daily interactions.