Tamora Carter: Goblin Queen
not part of a series
on Goodreads (148)
What’s inside...
One night after roller derby practice, twelve-year-old Tamora Carter discovers a pair of goblins digging through the dumpster behind the rink. The scruffy pair passed through a magical portal into our world, and they're not alone. Do these creatures know the truth about what happened to Tamora's best friend Andre? She won't rest until she finds out. But there are things far more dangerous than goblins...
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
9-12
Length
267 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Tamora Carter
Pricilla
Discussion points
What do you think motivated Tamora to face the challenges in her journey?
How do you think Tamora's friendships influenced her decisions and actions throughout the story?
If you were in a similar situation as Tamora, how would you handle the fears or challenges presented to you?
What are some qualities of Tamora that you admire, and why?
How do you think the story would change if it were set in a different world or time?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their thoughts and feelings about the story, relating it to their own experiences when possible. Use open-ended questions to delve deeper into the themes and characters of the book, fostering a connection between the narrative and the child’s personal growth. Highlight Tamora’s resilience and decision-making to instill confidence in your child’s ability to face their own challenges. Discuss the importance of friendships and support systems as depicted in the book to reinforce social and emotional learning.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Courage in facing fears
Explanation: The protagonist, Tamora, navigates her way through frightening situations involving goblins, displaying bravery despite her fears.
Real-World Application: Children can learn the value of facing their fears, understanding that courage is not the absence of fear, but the determination to overcome it.
Example Lesson: Importance of teamwork
Explanation: Tamora works closely with her friends to tackle challenges, demonstrating how teamwork can achieve goals that might be impossible alone.
Real-World Application: This lesson highlights the benefit of collaboration and seeking help from others, teaching children to value collective effort over individual endeavor in problem-solving.
Example Lesson: Empathy and understanding
Explanation: Throughout the book, Tamora learns about the goblins’ perspectives and struggles, fostering a sense of empathy and understanding.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to consider the feelings and viewpoints of others, fostering an environment of empathy and compassion in their interactions.
Example Lesson: Resilience through adversity
Explanation: Tamora faces numerous setbacks in her quest, yet she persists and adapts, embodying resilience.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the importance of perseverance and resilience in the face of challenges, helping them develop a resilient mindset in their own lives.
Example Lesson: The power of curiosity and learning
Explanation: Tamora's journey is also one of discovery and learning, which plays a crucial role in overcoming obstacles.
Real-World Application: Promotes intellectual curiosity and continuous learning as tools for problem-solving and personal growth.