Switched
#4 of 6 in Fairy Tale Reform School Series
on Goodreads (3,123)
What’s inside...
The fourth installment in the beloved Fairy Tale Reform School series sees the school thriving with new staff members Beauty and Prince Sebastian, also known as the Beast. However, Gilly is preoccupied with her sister Anna, who has joined forces with the ousted Rumpelstiltskin. Gilly's concerns grow when a new student, Jack, shares that his family has also been affected by Rump. Together, Gilly and Jack seek answers and consider breaking rules when the Royal Court fails to act. The series continues to be a perfect choice for parent-child read-alongs and engaging reluctant readers.
Character compass
Gillian Cobbler
Maxie
Kayla
Anna Cobbler
Jax
Jocelyn
Rumpelstiltskin
Gilly Cobbler
Discussion points
How do you think Gilly felt when she switched places with her sister? What would you feel in her situation?
What are some differences between the world Gilly comes from and the one she discovers? How do you think these differences impact her?
Which character in the story do you relate to the most and why?
If you had a chance to switch places with someone, who would it be and what would you want to learn from their life?
What do you think is the most important lesson Gilly learns throughout her adventure?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage kids to put themselves in Gilly's shoes to explore themes of empathy and understanding. Ask them how they might react in similar magical situations, fostering a deeper connection to the character's emotions and choices. Highlight the importance of learning from others' perspectives and discuss any similar experiences they might have had. Use the story's setting to ignite imagination about magical worlds, asking what kind of magical abilities they wish they had and why.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Empathy and understanding
Explanation: In 'Switched', the protagonist experiences life in someone else's shoes, which teaches her to understand and empathize with others' feelings and perspectives.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to appreciate the feelings of their peers and develop stronger, empathetic relationships.
Example Lesson: Responsibility
Explanation: The characters in the story learn to take responsibility for their actions and the consequences that follow, which is a central theme throughout the book.
Real-World Application: This can encourage children to be more accountable in their daily activities, such as homework and chores.
Example Lesson: The importance of honesty
Explanation: Characters face various situations where they must choose to be truthful or deceitful, highlighting the benefits of honesty.
Real-World Application: Kids are prompted to value truthfulness in their interactions and understand how honesty fosters trust.
Example Lesson: Adaptability
Explanation: The switch between characters forces them to adapt to unexpected situations, showing resilience and flexibility.
Real-World Application: This lesson can help children learn to adjust to changes or new environments, such as moving to a new school or dealing with family changes.
Example Lesson: The value of seeing things through
Explanation: Characters encounter challenges that they must overcome, illustrating the importance of perseverance and completing tasks despite difficulties.
Real-World Application: Teaching children the importance of finishing what they start, whether it's a simple project or a complex problem.