Silver on the Tree
#5 of 5 in The Dark Is Rising Series
on Goodreads (35,438)
What’s inside...
The final book in the 'The Dark is Rising' series, 'Silver on the Tree' sees the Drew children, Will Stanton, and Bran Davies join forces to finally defeat the Dark. They must find the crystal sword, the last of the six Signs, to complete the Light's power. The book is a thrilling conclusion to the series, filled with magic, adventure, and the ultimate battle between good and evil. The six champions of the Light join forces at last to fight the Dark in this fifth and final installment of Susan Cooper’s epic and award-winning The Dark Is Rising sequence, now with a brand-new look! The last great battle between the Light and the Dark has arrived, engulfing Will Stanton; his ageless master, Merriman; the three heroic Drew children; and Bran, the Welsh boy whose destiny is tied to the Light. On a quest through time and space that touches the most ancient myths of the islands of Britain, the six heroes fight fear and death in the darkly brooding mountains of Wales. And in the haunting Lost Land, Will and Bran find dream and nightmare, but also achieve the final talisman against the the crystal sword. In the dreadful last moment when the Dark rises, all the servants of the Light join to combine the powers of the sword and the six ancient signs. But even with the Signs on their side, can Light prevail?
Character compass
Will Stanton
Bran Davies
Barney Drew
Jane Drew
Simon Drew
Merriman Lyon
The Rider
Merry Lyon
Barnabas Drew
Discussion points
How do you think Will felt when he was chosen to be the last of the Old Ones, and how would you feel in his position?
What do you think is the significance of the silver tree in the story?
Can you think of a time when you had to work with others to solve a problem, like Will and his friends did?
What lessons do you think we can learn about bravery and friendship from the characters in the book?
Why do you think the author chose to mix fantasy elements with real-world issues?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start discussions by sharing your own thoughts and reactions to the book, encouraging your child to do the same. Ask them to imagine themselves in the characters' situations, which helps personalize the themes. Help your child connect the story to their own experiences, such as teamwork or overcoming fears, making the book's themes more relatable and meaningful.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of teamwork
Explanation: In 'Silver on the Tree', characters must work together to overcome challenges and achieve common goals, showcasing the strength found in unity.
Real-World Application: Children learn that collaborating with others can lead to success, whether it's during group projects at school or when playing sports with friends.
Example Lesson: Courage in the face of adversity
Explanation: The protagonists often face daunting obstacles, but their bravery in confronting these challenges is a central theme of the book.
Real-World Application: This can inspire children to tackle their own challenges with courage, be it trying out for a school play, standing up against bullying, or dealing with personal fears.
Example Lesson: The value of perseverance
Explanation: Throughout the series, the characters experience setbacks but continue to strive towards their goals, teaching the value of persistence.
Real-World Application: This lesson helps children understand the importance of not giving up in the face of difficulties, whether it's mastering a new skill or improving in a subject at school.
Example Lesson: Respect for nature
Explanation: The narrative emphasizes the connection between the characters and the natural world, underscoring the importance of respecting and preserving the environment.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to be mindful of their environment, promoting activities like recycling, conserving water, or participating in local clean-up days.
Example Lesson: Understanding the complexities of good vs. evil
Explanation: The book presents characters and situations that are not strictly black and white, teaching readers to appreciate the nuances in moral dilemmas.
Real-World Application: This can help children develop critical thinking skills, and understand that real-world issues often require careful thought and consideration.