#2 in The Fablehaven Series
Rise of the Evening Star
on Goodreads (129,739)
What’s inside...
In the second installment of the Fablehaven series, siblings Kendra and Seth Sorenson must again confront the evil forces that threaten to destroy the secret wildlife preserve for magical creatures. The siblings discover that an artifact of great power is hidden on the preserve and that the Society of the Evening Star will stop at nothing to obtain it.
Discussion points
What do you think motivates Kendra and Seth to protect Fablehaven? How would you feel in their situation?
How do the different magical creatures in the book help or hinder the goals of the characters? Which magical creature was your favorite and why?
The book explores themes of trust and betrayal. Can you think of a time when someone unexpected helped you, or someone you trusted let you down? How did it make you feel?
If you had the ability to use one magical item from the book, which one would you choose and what would you do with it?
How do you think the story would change if it was told from the perspective of another character, like Vanessa or Warren?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to imagine and describe what their own magical preserve would look like. Discuss the kinds of creatures and enchantments they would include.
Connect themes from the book to real-life situations, such as discussing times when trust was important in your family’s experiences.
Ask your child to predict what might happen next if the story continued. This helps develop analytical thinking.
After discussing a specific magical creature from the book, you could encourage your child to draw it or write a short story about an adventure involving the creature.
Discuss the decisions characters make in the story and ask your child what they would have done differently, fostering critical thinking and moral reasoning.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Teamwork and Collaboration
Explanation: In 'Rise of the Evening Star', characters work together to overcome challenges, showcasing the power of teamwork.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by participating in group activities at school or in sports, learning to cooperate and value each member's contribution.
Example Lesson: Courage and Bravery
Explanation: The protagonist faces numerous dangers but continues to confront adversity bravely. This highlights the importance of courage.
Real-World Application: Kids can be encouraged to face their own fears, whether it's trying out for a new sport, standing up for what's right, or dealing with school challenges.
Example Lesson: Problem-Solving Skills
Explanation: Throughout the book, characters encounter puzzles and obstacles that require critical thinking and creativity to solve.
Real-World Application: This can be mirrored in a child’s approach to solving homework problems or resolving conflicts with peers, promoting analytical thinking and innovation.
Example Lesson: The Importance of Knowledge
Explanation: Characters often rely on historical or magical knowledge to navigate their world, illustrating how knowledge can be a powerful tool.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to appreciate and pursue learning, understanding that knowledge can help them make informed decisions and navigate the world more effectively.
Example Lesson: Resilience in the Face of Adversity
Explanation: Characters frequently encounter setbacks and must persevere, teaching kids the value of resilience.
Real-World Application: Children learn to not give up easily in their pursuits, whether academic, personal, or social, fostering a resilient mindset from a young age.