Odin's Ravens (The Blackwell Pages, 2)
#2 of 3 in The Blackwell Pages Series
What’s inside...
Seven kids, Thor's hammer, and a whole lot of Valkyries are the only things standing against the end of the world. When thirteen-year-olds Matt Thorsen and Fen and Laurie Brekke, modern-day descendants of Thor and Loki, discovered they were fated to take the places of the Norse gods in an epic battle against the apocalypse, they thought they knew how things would play out. Gather the descendants standing in for the gods, defeat a giant serpent, and save the world. No problem, right? But the descendants' journey grinds to a halt when their friend and descendant Baldwin is poisoned and killed and Matt, Fen, and Laurie must travel to the Underworld in the hopes of saving him. That's only their first stop on their journey to reunite the challengers, find Thor's hammer, and save humanity—a journey filled with enough tooth-and-nail battles and colossal monsters to make Matt and his friends a legend in their own right. Perfect for fans of ancient myths and filled with young heroes, monstrous beasts, and godly enemies, this fast-paced adventure is impossible to put down.
Character compass
Matt Thorsen
Ray
Baldwin
Fen Brekke
Laurie Brekke
Discussion points
What do you think motivates Matt, Laurie, and Fen to embark on their journey to find Thor's hammer?
How do the characters in the book demonstrate teamwork? Can you think of a time you worked with others to solve a problem?
The Norse gods have various powers. If you could have any power, what would it be and why?
How do the characters change throughout the story? Which character do you relate to the most and why?
What lessons do you think the story teaches about bravery and friendship?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to relate the story to their own experiences by asking them how they would feel in the characters' situations.
Discuss the mythological elements in the story. This can be a great opportunity to explore more about Norse mythology together.
Highlight the importance of teamwork as shown in the book and relate it to everyday situations like working on a school project or playing a team sport.
Ask your child about their favorite character and why they chose them, to better understand their values and perspective.
Encourage your child to think about the moral lessons in the story and how they can apply them in their own life.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Teamwork and Collaboration
Explanation: In 'Odin's Ravens,' the characters must work together to overcome obstacles and achieve their objectives, emphasizing the power of teamwork.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by engaging in group activities and learning to cooperate with others, enhancing their social skills and ability to work effectively in teams.
Example Lesson: Responsibility and Leadership
Explanation: The young protagonists in the story take on significant responsibilities, demonstrating leadership as they navigate challenges.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the importance of taking responsibility for their actions and stepping up as leaders in their own lives, whether in school projects or family duties.
Example Lesson: Resilience in Facing Challenges
Explanation: The characters encounter various difficulties but persistently push forward, showcasing resilience.
Real-World Application: Children learn the value of persistence and resilience in overcoming personal challenges, whether in academics, sports, or personal relationships.
Example Lesson: Understanding and Valuing Differences
Explanation: As the characters are from diverse backgrounds, the book promotes understanding and valuing individual differences.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to appreciate diversity and fosters respect and inclusivity among their peers.
Example Lesson: Courage to Confront the Unknown
Explanation: Faced with mythological elements and unknown territories, the characters display courage throughout their journey.
Real-World Application: This lesson inspires children to face new experiences and challenges with bravery, helping them to grow and adapt to new situations.