Sophia, Princess Among Beasts
on Goodreads (3,176)
What’s inside...
A princess who has lost her mother and father finds herself in a terrifying world that urgently needs a queen in this thrilling fantasy novel. Sophia is smart, beautiful, and accomplished, a beloved princess devoted to the people and to reading books. The kingdom is hers, until she is plunged into a nightmarish realm populated by the awful beasts she read about as a child. The beasts are real. And so is the great army marching on her castle. The people look to Sophia for protection. They will all perish unless she can unlock an ancient secret as profound as life and death itself. Sophia, Princess Among Beasts is a fabulous adventure, and a stunning mystery. Here again is proof of why James Patterson is the world's most trusted storyteller.
Age
11-12
Length
320 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Princess Sophia
Discussion points
What qualities do you think make Sophia a good leader in the story?
How do the animals in the book show their feelings, and what can we learn from them?
What would you do if you were in Sophia's place when she faces challenges?
How do you think working together helps Sophia and the beasts solve problems?
What did you learn about bravery and kindness from this story?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to imagine themselves in Sophia’s world, asking them how they would feel and react in similar situations.
Discuss the emotional responses of both Sophia and the beasts throughout the story to enhance empathy and understanding.
Point out moments where teamwork and courage lead to positive outcomes, reinforcing these values.
Ask your child to describe their favorite character in the book and explain why they like them, fostering a deeper connection with the narrative.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Courage and bravery
Explanation: In 'Sophia, Princess Among Beasts', Sophia demonstrates courage as she navigates a world filled with mythical beasts and daunting challenges.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to face their own fears and challenges with bravery, whether it's trying something new or standing up for what's right.
Example Lesson: Compassion and empathy
Explanation: Throughout the story, Sophia shows deep compassion and empathy towards the creatures she encounters, understanding their feelings and perspectives.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the importance of understanding and caring for others, helping them develop strong interpersonal relationships.
Example Lesson: Leadership and responsibility
Explanation: As a princess, Sophia is thrust into a position of leadership. She learns to take responsibility for her actions and decisions, guiding her subjects wisely.
Real-World Application: The story encourages children to take initiative, make decisions, and lead by example in their own lives, whether in school projects or family activities.
Example Lesson: The power of knowledge
Explanation: Sophia uses her knowledge and wit to solve problems and make peace with the beasts, showing that intelligence and wisdom are powerful tools.
Real-World Application: Children learn the value of education and the importance of using knowledge to solve real-world problems.
Example Lesson: Resilience
Explanation: The character faces various setbacks but her resilience helps her to keep going and eventually overcome the obstacles.
Real-World Application: This can inspire children to persist through difficulties in their own lives, such as learning complex subjects or managing personal setbacks.