Spirit Quest
on Goodreads (6)
What’s inside...
In the rich tradition of Coast Salish legend, mother and son Diane and Joe Silvey write and illustrate a classic quest story. Teenage twins Kaya and Tala journey into the perilous British Columbia wilderness confronting fish and fowl, beast and phantom, and the wolf spirit destined to be Tala's protective guardian. Imaginative black-and-white illustrations complement this unique story of adventure.
Age
9-12
Length
62 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think the main character learned during their journey?
If you were in the story, how would you help the main character on their quest?
What was your favorite part of the adventure and why?
How did the characters change from the beginning to the end of the book?
Can you think of a time when you had to be brave like the character in the story?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their thoughts and feelings about the story, validating their responses to build confidence.
Ask follow-up questions based on your child’s responses to deepen the conversation and understanding of the story’s themes.
Relate the story to your child’s personal experiences to help them connect with the characters and plot.
Use expressive reading techniques, changing your tone and pace, to make the story more engaging and immersive during read-aloud sessions.
Discuss the illustrations and ask how they enhance the story or contribute to the narrative, fostering visual literacy.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Respect for Nature
Explanation: In 'Spirit Quest,' the protagonist embarks on a journey that teaches them the importance of respecting and preserving the natural world.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to appreciate the environment, understanding the need to take care of plants and animals around them.
Example Lesson: Understanding Cultural Heritage
Explanation: The story introduces elements of Indigenous traditions and values, helping children appreciate and respect diverse cultures.
Real-World Application: Kids can be encouraged to learn about and respect various cultural backgrounds of their friends and community members.
Example Lesson: Courage and Self-discovery
Explanation: The young protagonist faces various challenges on their quest, learning about their own strengths and capabilities.
Real-World Application: This can inspire children to face their own challenges bravely and use them as opportunities for self-growth.
Example Lesson: Importance of Community
Explanation: Throughout their journey, the protagonist relies on the wisdom and support of community members, depicting the value of cooperation and communal support.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of being supportive and working together with family and friends to overcome obstacles.
Example Lesson: Value of Perseverance
Explanation: Despite difficulties, the main character keeps pushing forward, showing the importance of perseverance in achieving goals.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to persist in their tasks or while learning new skills, despite challenges.