Rowan of Rin (Rowan of Rin #1)
#1 of 5 in Rowan of Rin Series
on Goodreads (6,878)
What’s inside...
Bravest heart will carry on when sleep is death, and hope is gone. Rowan doesn't believe he has a brave heart. But when the river that supports his village of Rin runs dry, he must join a dangerous journey to its source in the forbidden Mountain. To save Rin, Rowan and his companions must conquer not only the Mountain's many tricks, but also the fierce dragon that lives at its peak.
Character compass
Rowan
Bronden
Marlie
Allun
Jonn
Val
Discussion points
What qualities do you think make Rowan a hero, and how can you apply these qualities to your own life?
Why is teamwork important in the story, and can you think of a time when you had to work with others to solve a problem?
How do the characters in the book overcome their fears, and what can we learn from them about handling our own fears?
What role does the village of Rin play in shaping Rowan's journey, and how does your environment influence who you are?
Tip: Role play these questions
Highlight Rowan's relatable fears and courage. Discuss with your child how they deal with their fears and if they have ever felt brave like Rowan.
Discuss the importance of teamwork portrayed in the book. Encourage your child to share stories of when they worked with others to achieve a goal.
Explore the theme of self-discovery by asking your child about their strengths and weaknesses, and how they think these traits help in their daily lives.
Use examples from the book to discuss problem-solving. Engage your child by coming up with various solutions to problems faced by characters, and relate them to real-life situations.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Courage in the face of fear
Explanation: Rowan, often seen as timid, demonstrates immense courage as he undertakes a perilous journey to save his village. His bravery grows as he confronts terrifying challenges.
Real-World Application: Children learn that courage isn’t the absence of fear, but the ability to act despite being afraid. This can help them tackle everyday challenges like trying new activities or standing up for what's right.
Example Lesson: The value of teamwork
Explanation: Throughout the story, Rowan and his companions learn to collaborate and combine their strengths to overcome obstacles. Their success is hinged on their ability to work together.
Real-World Application: This lesson teaches children the importance of cooperation and valuing each other's input, which is essential in group projects at school or in sports teams.
Example Lesson: Self-discovery through adversity
Explanation: Rowan discovers his own strengths and capabilities as he faces difficult trials. Each challenge helps him learn more about himself and redefine his self-image.
Real-World Application: Children can understand that personal growth often comes through overcoming difficulties, encouraging them to embrace challenges as opportunities for self-improvement.
Example Lesson: Importance of wisdom over strength
Explanation: Rowan's journey emphasizes cleverness and wisdom rather than brute force. His ability to think critically and make smart choices saves the day more than once.
Real-World Application: This underscores the importance of critical thinking and problem-solving skills in daily life, teaching children that brains are just as important as brawn.
Example Lesson: Embracing individual differences
Explanation: The diverse set of characters in the book, each with unique traits and skills, highlights how differences can contribute to the success of a group.
Real-World Application: It helps children see the value in diversity and encourages them to appreciate and learn from the differences in others around them.