Of Curses and Kisses: Rosetta Academy
#1 in Rosetta Academy Series
on Goodreads (9,769)
What’s inside...
The first novel in a series set at an elite international boarding school, that’s a contemporary spin on Beauty and the Beast.
Will the princess save the beast?
For Princess Jaya Rao, nothing is more important than family. When the loathsome Emerson clan steps up their centuries-old feud to target Jaya’s little sister, nothing will keep Jaya from exacting her revenge. Then Jaya finds out she’ll be attending the same elite boarding school as Grey Emerson, and it feels like the opportunity of a lifetime. She knows what she must do: Make Grey fall in love with her and break his heart. But much to Jaya’s annoyance, Grey’s brooding demeanor and lupine blue eyes have drawn her in. There’s simply no way she and her sworn enemy could find their fairy-tale ending…right?
His Lordship Grey Emerson is a misanthrope. Thanks to an ancient curse by a Rao matriarch, Grey knows he’s doomed once he turns eighteen. Sequestered away in the mountains at St. Rosetta’s International Academy, he’s lived an isolated existence—until Jaya Rao bursts into his life, but he can't shake the feeling that she’s hiding something. Something that might just have to do with the rose-shaped ruby pendant around her neck…
As the stars conspire to keep them apart, Jaya and Grey grapple with questions of love, loyalty, and whether it’s possible to write your own happy ending.
Why read this book
- Modern retelling of Beauty and the Beast story.
- Addresses themes of love, redemption, and personal growth.
- Culturally diverse characters enhance global understanding.
- Encourages empathy and emotional development.
Character compass
Jaya Rao
Grey Emerson
Isha Rao
Discussion points
How did the characters' decisions impact their relationships with others in the story?
What lessons do you think the characters learned by the end of the book? How can we apply these lessons in our lives?
If you had to face a curse like the characters in the book, what would you do differently?
What does the setting of Rosetta Academy add to the story? How would the story change if it were set somewhere else?
How do the themes of love and redemption play out through the narrative?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to relate personal experiences to those of the characters, fostering a deeper connection to the story.
Discuss the moral dilemmas faced by the characters and ask your child how they would handle similar situations, enhancing their problem-solving and critical thinking skills.
Explore the cultural elements within the story to broaden your child’s understanding and appreciation of diverse backgrounds.
Use the story’s themes as a springboard to discuss the importance of empathy, forgiveness, and growth in personal relationships.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Empathy and Understanding
Explanation: The protagonist, Jaya Rao, learns to understand and empathize with her rival, Grey Emerson, despite their families' historical feud. Their journey highlights the power of understanding others' perspectives and emotions.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by trying to understand their peers’ feelings and viewpoints, enhancing their ability to resolve conflicts and build stronger friendships.
Example Lesson: Overcoming Stereotypes
Explanation: Characters in the story, including Jaya and Grey, confront and challenge the stereotypes imposed on them by society and their own families. This theme encourages critical thinking about how we perceive others.
Real-World Application: This lesson is crucial for children as they learn not to judge others based on superficial or inherited biases, promoting inclusivity and respect in their interactions.
Example Lesson: Importance of Forgiveness
Explanation: Throughout the book, characters demonstrate acts of forgiveness which lead to healing and reconciliation, showing that holding onto grudges can be more damaging than the act of forgiveness.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to practice forgiveness, understanding that everyone makes mistakes and that forgiving can lead to happier, healthier relationships.
Example Lesson: Courage in Adversity
Explanation: Jaya faces numerous challenges but consistently demonstrates courage, whether dealing with her family's legacy or personal dilemmas at Rosetta Academy. Her resilience is a central theme.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the value of bravery in facing their own challenges, from standing up for themselves and others to handling new environments or problems.