Shantallow
Adobe EPUB eBook Series
on Goodreads (43)
What’s inside...
Tanvi isn't the girl of Misha's dreams; she's the girl from his nightmares. She has appeared in his chilling dreams before he even meets her; when he does meet her, he falls for her. Their relationship turns stormy, bordering on abusive, and takes a dramatic turn when they are held captive by a group hoping to extract money from Tanvi's wealthy family. But there is something more sinister at work, and the kidnappers and their victims find themselves struggling for survival as a supernatural force from Misha's nightmares makes itself known in the real world.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
12-17
Length
223 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How do the characters' actions in 'Shantallow' show their fears and hopes?
What choices would you make if you were in the same situations as the main characters?
How does the setting contribute to the mood of the story? Can you describe how the environment affects the characters?
What are some key themes in 'Shantallow'? How do these themes relate to real-world issues?
How do the different relationships in the book shape the characters and their decisions?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage empathy by asking your child how they think the characters felt during key moments in the story.
Support critical thinking by discussing alternative choices the characters could have made at various points.
Explore the setting by asking your child to draw or describe it, linking back to emotions and atmosphere in the book.
Link themes of the book to your child’s experiences or current events to make it more relatable.
Discuss the importance of relationships, prompting your child to talk about their own relationships and the impact these have on them.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of facing fears
Explanation: In 'Shantallow', the protagonist confronts terrifying supernatural elements as well as personal fears. This demonstrates courage and the resilience needed to face challenges.
Real-World Application: Children learn that confronting their fears, whether it's speaking in public or trying something new, helps them grow and overcome obstacles.
Example Lesson: Understanding the consequences of actions
Explanation: The story presents characters whose decisions lead to significant consequences, teaching readers about responsibility and forethought.
Real-World Application: This lesson teaches children to think about how their actions can affect themselves and others, promoting thoughtful decision-making.
Example Lesson: The value of teamwork
Explanation: Characters in 'Shantallow' must collaborate to overcome the supernatural threat, highlighting the strength found in working together.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to cooperate with others, whether in school projects or family activities, fostering teamwork and communication skills.
Example Lesson: Empathy and understanding different perspectives
Explanation: The book explores complex relationships and misunderstandings, showing how empathy can lead to better outcomes.
Real-World Application: This lesson helps children understand the importance of seeing things from others' points of view, aiding in conflict resolution and building healthier relationships.
Example Lesson: Perseverance through adversity
Explanation: Despite numerous setbacks, the characters persist in their goals, demonstrating determination.
Real-World Application: Teaching children the value of perseverance helps them to not give up in the face of challenges, whether in academics, sports, or personal goals.