Ravenwood
#1 in Ravenwood Series
What’s inside...
Ark, a fourteen-year-old plumber's apprentice, has the lowest job in Arborium, the last forested island in the future. He unclogs toilets in a city built in the branches of giant trees. When he overhears a plot by rival Maw to strip Arborium of its precious wood, Ark must journey to the darkest roots of his tree home to stop them and save his kingdom.
Character compass
Ark
Discussion points
What do you think are the main themes of 'Ravenwood'? Why?
How did the characters in the story show courage and teamwork?
If you were in Ark's position, what would you have done differently?
What is your favorite part of the book and why?
How do you think the setting of 'Ravenwood' influences the story?
Tip: Role play these questions
Before starting the discussion, read the book together or encourage your child to read it independently, depending on their reading level.
Show genuine interest in their responses to the questions and explore their thoughts without correcting them immediately, this helps in developing critical thinking.
Relate the challenges faced by the characters in the book to real-life situations your child might encounter, which can help them connect with the story deeply.
Encourage your child to draw scenes from the book. This can serve as a creative outlet and provide a visual basis for discussing the story’s themes.
Use examples from the book to discuss the importance of nature and our environment, aligning with the ecological aspect of 'Ravenwood'.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Importance of courage and bravery
Explanation: In 'Ravenwood', the protagonist, Arbor, shows immense bravery when he confronts threats to his home, demonstrating that sometimes one must take bold actions to protect what is dear.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to face their fears and stand up for themselves and others in challenging situations, whether it be in school, sports, or social interactions.
Example Lesson: Value of environmental conservation
Explanation: The narrative emphasizes the significance of preserving nature, as Arbor's island and trees face destruction. Arbor’s dedication to his environment teaches the importance of caring for our planet.
Real-World Application: This can inspire children to engage in environmentally friendly practices like recycling, conserving water, and learning more about environmental issues.
Example Lesson: Teamwork and collaboration
Explanation: Throughout the adventure, Arbor collaborates with a diverse set of characters to save Ravenwood. This highlights that teamwork often leads to better solutions to problems.
Real-World Application: It teaches children the importance of working together, whether on group projects at school or during team sports, fostering a spirit of cooperation and mutual respect.
Example Lesson: Resilience in the face of adversity
Explanation: Arbor's journey is filled with obstacles, yet he persists. His resilience shows that one can overcome challenges through perseverance.
Real-World Application: Children learn that setbacks are a part of life and that persistence is key to overcoming these obstacles, helping them build a resilient mindset.
Example Lesson: Creativity and innovation
Explanation: Arbor's inventive solutions for saving his home demonstrate the power of creative thinking in overcoming difficulties.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to think creatively in their problem-solving, whether in academic tasks or personal projects, enhancing their innovative skills.