Outcast
#1 in Warden of the West Series
on Goodreads (3,400)
What’s inside...
Outcast: Spellslingers Academy of Magic, the first audiobook of the Warden of the West series, is a fantasy mystery that follows the story of a heroine who lives by one simple rule - no magic - to stay hidden from her evil sorcerer father. When she is forced to use magic to save an innocent family, she believes her secret is out. Instead, she finds herself at an academy of magic in a place she never knew existed. With completely raw power, she struggles to understand her abilities, and faces a new world of wands, witches, and a new wardrobe. However, her life takes a dark turn when she stumbles upon a dead body in a restricted area. With the help of new friends and a vampire named Gray, she must clear her name and solve the mystery before it's too late, risking a life on the run from her past.
Discussion points
What do you think made the main character feel like an outcast? How did they cope with those feelings?
Can you think of a time when you felt different from everyone else? How did you handle it?
What does friendship mean in this story? How do the friendships impact the characters?
How did the main character change from the beginning to the end of the book?
What is one thing you would do to help someone who feels like an outcast?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their feelings and thoughts about the book's themes without judgment. Listen actively and validate their emotions. Use examples from the book to relate to real-life scenarios your child might encounter. Ask them to consider different perspectives from the story and how they might apply empathy in similar situations. Wrap up your discussion by asking your child to think about ways they can include or support peers who might feel like outcasts.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Empathy and Compassion
Explanation: In 'Outcast,' the protagonist goes through experiences that teach them the importance of understanding and compassion towards others, regardless of their backgrounds or differences.
Real-World Application: Children can apply these concepts by showing kindness to classmates who might seem different or who are facing challenges, fostering an inclusive environment.
Example Lesson: Resilience in Adversity
Explanation: The main character faces various struggles and learns to overcome them with courage and determination, emphasizing resilience.
Real-World Application: This lesson encourages children to persist in the face of difficulties, whether it be in their academics, sports, or personal life, reinforcing the value of perseverance.
Example Lesson: The Power of Friendship
Explanation: Throughout the book, friendships play a crucial role in supporting the protagonist during their times as an outcast, highlighting the impact of positive relationships.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of building and maintaining friendships. It teaches them to be supportive friends and seek out positive social interactions.
Example Lesson: Acceptance of Self
Explanation: The protagonist learns to accept and embrace their unique qualities, which initially led to them feeling like an outcast.
Real-World Application: This promotes self-esteem in children, encouraging them to appreciate their individuality and differences as strengths rather than shortcomings.