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Shadow Scale: Seraphina

#2 of 2 in Seraphina Series

3.75
on Goodreads (21,453)

What’s inside...

Seraphina, a girl who is part dragon, is drawn into the politics of a world where humans and dragons share an uneasy balance. When war breaks out, she must gather others like her, who are also part human and part dragon, to fight the dragons using their powerful, magical abilities. As she assembles this diverse group, she faces pursuit from humans and a terrifying half-dragon who can control minds. Seraphina must decide whether to cling to her old life or embrace a powerful new destiny. Dragons and humans are at war in this eagerly awaited sequel to the critically acclaimed and New York Times bestselling fantasy, Seraphina. Seraphina is tangled in a war between the dragon rebels and the human court. The dark secret of her true identity--half-dragon, half-human--has now become her advantage. Only she has the power to unite the kingdom, and she intends to use it. Embarking on a life-changing journey, Seraphina seeks to find the rest of her half-dragon brethren, whose unique gifts may make the difference in the battle for the future of her world. But gathering everyone together is no straightforward task. Hidden histories and outright lies surface that make her task almost impossible. Then Seraphina learns that someone is working against her. What hope is there for brokering peace between dragons and humans when an unlikely enemy is determined to see both go up in flames?
In series
Series reading

Sequential

Age

11-12

Length

602 pages

Text complexity

Character compass

Seraphina Dombegh
Princess Glisselda
Ardmagar Comonot
Abdo
Prince Lucian Kiggs
Orma
Jannoula

Discussion points

How do you think Seraphina’s ability to see others' minds influences her relationships with them?
What does courage mean to you, and how do you see it displayed in the book?
How do the different characters in the story handle conflict and what can we learn from them?
Why do you think understanding and empathy are important in Seraphina’s world?
If you had a special ability like Seraphina, how would you use it to help others around you?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their thoughts and feelings about the book’s characters and events.
Discuss the moral dilemmas faced by the characters, asking your child what they would do in similar situations.
Connect themes from the book to real-life scenarios to help your child relate to the characters' experiences.
Ask your child to predict what might happen next after pivotal moments in the book to gauge their understanding and imagination.
Highlight the significance of empathy and understanding, discussing how these qualities can be applied in your child’s daily life.

Key lessons

Example Lesson: Understanding and valuing diversity
Explanation: In 'Shadow Scale,' various characters from different backgrounds and abilities come together to achieve a common goal, showcasing the power of diversity.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to appreciate and embrace differences in their peers, fostering inclusivity in their everyday interactions.
Example Lesson: The importance of self-discovery
Explanation: The protagonist, Seraphina, embarks on a journey of self-awareness and acceptance of her identity, which is crucial to her personal growth throughout the book.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to explore and accept their own unique identities and qualities, enhancing their self-esteem and personal development.
Example Lesson: Resilience in the face of adversity
Explanation: Seraphina faces numerous challenges and conflicts, but her perseverance and resilience ultimately lead her to success.
Real-World Application: Children learn the value of persisting through difficulties, understanding that overcoming obstacles is a part of life and personal growth.
Example Lesson: The power of teamwork
Explanation: The characters in 'Shadow Scale' must collaborate and leverage each other's strengths to overcome the challenges they face, highlighting the importance of teamwork.
Real-World Application: This lesson teaches children the importance of working with others to achieve common goals and solve problems, a vital skill in school and later in life.
Example Lesson: Ethical decision-making
Explanation: Throughout the book, Seraphina is faced with tough decisions that test her morals and ethics, teaching readers about the complexities of making the right choice.
Real-World Application: It prompts children to think critically about the consequences of their actions and to make decisions that align with their values and principles.