Northwind
on Goodreads (2,990)
What’s inside...
The story follows two unique characters, Leif and a rare white hedgehog, as they face life-threatening challenges in their respective environments. Leif is an orphan who is forced to flee his fish camp in a cedar canoe when a deadly plague strikes, navigating treacherous waters along a wild, fjord-riven shore. Along his journey, he finds his true self by connecting with the ocean. Meanwhile, a white hedgehog, conspicuous and vulnerable, must navigate a perilous world with the uncertain help of Flame the Fox. Both characters, through their struggles, learn about survival, friendship, and self-discovery.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
10-14
Length
123 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How did the main character's journey through the wilderness make you feel? What parts were most exciting or scary?
Can you think of a time when you faced a difficult challenge like the character did? What did you do?
What do you think the forest symbolizes in the story? How does it change the way we understand the character's journey?
How did the characters in the story change from the beginning to the end? What caused those changes?
If you could give the main character a piece of advice at the start of their journey, what would it be?
Tip: Role play these questions
Utilize open-ended questions that require more than a yes or no answer to encourage deeper thinking and engagement.
Relate aspects of the story to the child’s personal experiences to make the themes more relatable and meaningful.
Discuss the emotions and challenges faced by the characters, and compare them to real-life situations your child might encounter.
Encourage your child to imagine alternative endings or different choices the characters could have made and discuss the potential outcomes.
Praise your child’s responses to build confidence and encourage more active participation and expression of ideas.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Resilience in adversity
Explanation: In 'Northwind', the protagonist faces numerous challenges in a harsh, unforgiving environment but learns to adapt and persevere.
Real-World Application: Children can learn that despite facing difficulties, whether in school or personal life, resilience and determination can lead to overcoming these obstacles.
Example Lesson: Resourcefulness and problem-solving
Explanation: Throughout the book, the main character encounters various problems that require creative solutions, demonstrating the power of thinking outside the box.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to use their imagination and critical thinking skills to solve problems they encounter in daily activities or group work.
Example Lesson: Value of empathy
Explanation: The protagonist's interactions with other characters and understanding of their emotions highlight the importance of empathy.
Real-World Application: Children learn the significance of recognizing and respecting feelings of others, which can enhance their social interactions and friendships.
Example Lesson: Importance of environmental stewardship
Explanation: The storytelling includes themes that emphasize caring for the natural world, aligning with growing environmental concerns.
Real-World Application: This can motivate children to engage in environmentally friendly practices like recycling, conserving water, or learning more about nature.