Raybearer
#1 in Raybearer Series
on Goodreads (29,060)
What’s inside...
Tarisai has always longed for the warmth of a family. She was raised in isolation by a mysterious, often absent mother known only as The Lady. The Lady sends her to the capital of the global empire of Aritsar to compete with other children to be chosen as one of the Crown Prince’s Council of 11. If she’s picked, she’ll be joined with the other Council members through the Ray, a bond deeper than blood. That closeness is irresistible to Tarisai, who has always wanted to belong somewhere. But The Lady has other ideas, including a magical wish that Tarisai is compelled to obey: Kill the Crown Prince once she gains his trust. Tarisai won’t stand by and become someone’s pawn—but is she strong enough to choose a different path for herself?
Why read this book
- Explores themes of belonging and identity.
- Fosters empowerment and decision-making skills.
- Rich, culturally diverse settings enhance global awareness.
- Strengthens complex narrative understanding and empathy.
Character compass
Tarisai
Min Ja
Woo In
Sanjeet
Kira
Dayo
Zuri
The Lady
Discussion points
What do you think were Tarisai’s biggest challenges in the story, and how do you think they changed her?
How do you feel about the idea of 'The Ray'? What would it be like to share thoughts and feelings with others that way?
Tarisai makes a bold decision to defy orders for a greater good. What would you have done in her situation and why?
Family is a central theme in 'Raybearer.' What does family mean to you, and how does it compare to Tarisai’s concept of family?
How do you see the role of promises and loyalty playing out in the story? Have you ever had a promise that was hard to keep?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage empathy by asking your child how they might feel in Tarisai’s situations, promoting deeper connections with her character.
Highlight the cultural aspects of the book, discussing the different settings and practices in Tarisai's world, enhancing global awareness.
Discuss the moral dilemmas in the book, asking your child what they would do differently, fostering ethical thinking.
After discussing a key point or question, share how you might have felt or reacted at their age, which strengthens trust and openness.
Use examples from the book to talk about the importance of making difficult decisions and the possible outcomes, supporting critical thinking skills.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of loyalty and trust
Explanation: In 'Raybearer', the protagonist, Tarisai, is raised with the mission to betray the person she is meant to love. Throughout the story, she struggles with her longing for deep connections and the dire consequences of betrayal, highlighting the values of loyalty and trust.
Real-World Application: Children can learn the significance of being trustworthy and loyal to friends and family, helping to build lasting and meaningful relationships.
Example Lesson: The power of self-identity and making one's own choices
Explanation: Tarisai's journey is also about self-discovery and asserting her independence against the manipulative forces in her life. By choosing her own path, she demonstrates autonomy and self-determination.
Real-World Application: This lesson can inspire children to value their individuality and make choices that reflect their true selves, promoting self-confidence and independence.
Example Lesson: The strength in diversity and unity
Explanation: The narrative of 'Raybearer' is rich with cultural diversity and illustrates how different characters come together to form a strong council. The story exemplifies that strength often comes from embracing differences and working together.
Real-World Application: Kids can apply this understanding in their interactions by appreciating diverse perspectives and collaborating with others to achieve common goals.
Example Lesson: Overcoming adversity with resilience
Explanation: Tarisai faces numerous challenges throughout the book, from her complex familial relationships to the political intrigues of the empire. Her resilience in overcoming these adversities is a key point of her character development.
Real-World Application: Children can learn the importance of resilience and perseverance in difficult situations, understanding that challenges can be overcome with determination and courage.