Serafina and the Twisted Staff
#2 of 4 in Serafina Series
on Goodreads (11,652)
What’s inside...
Serafina's defeat of the Man in the Black Cloak has brought her out of the shadows and into the daylight realm of her home, Biltmore Estate. Every night she visits her mother in the forest, eager to learn the ways of the catamount. But Serafina finds herself caught between her two worlds: she's too wild for Biltmore's beautifully dressed ladies and formal customs, and too human to fully join her kin. Late one night, Serafina encounters a strange and terrifying figure in the forest, and is attacked by the vicious wolfhounds that seem to be under his control. Even worse, she's convinced that the stranger was not alone, that he has sent his accomplice into Biltmore in disguise. Someone is wreaking havoc at the estate. A mysterious series of attacks test Serafina's role as Biltmore's protector, culminating in a tragedy that tears Serafina's best friend and only ally, Braeden Vanderbilt, from her side. Heartbroken, she flees. Deep in the forest, Serafina comes face-to-face with the evil infecting Biltmore—and discovers its reach is far greater than she'd ever imagined. All the humans and creatures of the Blue Ridge Mountains are in terrible danger. For Serafina to defeat this new evil before it engulfs her beloved home, she must search deep inside herself and embrace the destiny that has always awaited her.
Character compass
Serafina
Waysa
Braeden Vanderbilt
George Vanderbilt
Serafina'S Father
Rowena
Lady Rowena Fox-Pemberton
Edith Vanderbilt
Mr. Thorne
Discussion points
How do you think Serafina's unique abilities help her discover her true self?
What do you believe is the significance of the mysterious forest surrounding Biltmore Estate in the story?
How do the various relationships between characters, like Serafina and Braeden, evolve throughout the book? How do these relationships impact the storyline?
What are some of the challenges Serafina faces and how does she overcome them? Do you think her approach can be applied to real-life challenges?
The concept of good vs. evil is prominent in the story. How do the characters distinguish between the two, and what do you think the book is trying to say about morality?
Tip: Role play these questions
Utilize open-ended questions that require more than a yes or no response, encouraging your child to think deeply about the themes and characters.
Connect the themes of the book to your child’s experiences, asking them to consider how they might react in similar situations as Serafina.
Discuss the historical context of the story—set in the 1890s at the Biltmore Estate—and explore how the setting influences the narrative with your child.
Encourage empathy by discussing how different characters might feel in various situations throughout the book, helping your child understand different perspectives.
Highlight moments of bravery and moral decisions in the book, and relate them to personal development and ethical growth.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Courage in adversity
Explanation: Serafina faces numerous challenges and threats throughout the book, yet she consistently confronts her fears and stands up for what is right.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to tackle their fears and stand up against wrongdoing, even when faced with difficult situations.
Example Lesson: The importance of friendship
Explanation: Throughout her adventures, Serafina learns the value of companionship, especially with her friend Braeden, highlighting themes of trust and loyalty.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the significance of building and maintaining trustful and loyal relationships, and how teamwork can help overcome obstacles.
Example Lesson: Protecting the environment
Explanation: Serafina’s connection to the forest and its creatures underlines a deep respect for nature and the need to protect it against harm.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to care for their environment and understand the role each individual plays in preserving nature’s balance.
Example Lesson: Self-identity and acceptance
Explanation: As Serafina struggles with her identity, the story explores themes of self-discovery and accepting oneself, regardless of differences.
Real-World Application: Kids learn the importance of embracing who they are and recognizing their unique qualities as strengths.
Example Lesson: Perseverance through challenges
Explanation: Serafina shows relentless perseverance when facing the evil forces, teaching the power of not giving up despite obstacles.
Real-World Application: This emphasizes the value of persistence in achieving goals and overcoming adversity in real-life situations.
