Tess of the Road
#1 of 2 in Tess of the Road Series
on Goodreads (10,283)
What’s inside...
Meet Tess, a brave new heroine from beloved epic fantasy author Rachel Hartman. In the medieval kingdom of Goredd, women are expected to be ladies, men are their protectors, and dragons get to be whomever they want. Tess, stubbornly, is a troublemaker. You can’t make a scene at your sister’s wedding and break a relative’s nose with one punch (no matter how pompous he is) and not suffer the consequences. As her family plans to send her to a nunnery, Tess yanks on her boots and sets out on a journey across the Southlands, alone and pretending to be a boy. Where Tess is headed is a mystery, even to her. So when she runs into an old friend, it’s a stroke of luck. This friend is a quigutl—a subspecies of dragon—who gives her both a purpose and protection on the road. But Tess is guarding a troubling secret. Her tumultuous past is a heavy burden to carry, and the memories she’s tried to forget threaten to expose her to the world in more ways than one. Returning to the fascinating world she created in the award-winning and New York Times bestselling Seraphina, Rachel Hartman introduces readers to a new character and a new quest, pushing the boundaries of genre once again in this wholly original fantasy.
Character compass
Tess Dombegh
Pathka
Jeanne Dombegh
Discussion points
What do you think motivates Tess to embark on her journey, and how do her motivations change throughout the story?
How does Tess's relationship with her family influence her decisions and her view on the world?
What role do friendship and loyalty play in Tess's adventures? Can you think of a time when a friend helped you through a tough situation?
Tess encounters many challenges on her road. How do you think she manages to overcome them? What can we learn from her resilience?
The story is set in a fantastical world with dragons. How do you think the presence of dragons affects the characters and the plot?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to compare Tess’s journey with a personal experience where they faced a challenge or a significant change.
Discuss the importance of understanding and forgiveness, reflecting on Tess's interactions with other characters.
Use examples from the book to talk about the concept of personal growth and how making mistakes is a part of learning and developing.
Explore the theme of acceptance and belonging, asking your child how they feel connected to their own community or circle.
Highlight moments in the story where Tess shows courage and ask your child about times they had to be brave.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Resilience in the face of adversity
Explanation: Tess's journey is rife with challenges, yet she perseveres, demonstrating a profound resilience. Her ability to continue moving forward despite setbacks is a powerful lesson in persistence.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to face their own challenges with grit and determination, understanding that perseverance is key to overcoming obstacles in life.
Example Lesson: Self-discovery and personal growth
Explanation: Throughout her travels, Tess embarks on a profound journey of self-discovery, learning more about who she is and what she values. This introspective process is crucial to her character development.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to explore their own identities and embrace personal growth amidst their experiences, reinforcing the importance of self-awareness and acceptance.
Example Lesson: The importance of friendship and support
Explanation: Tess's interactions and relationships underscore the value of support and camaraderie during tough times. Her friendships provide comfort and aid, highlighting the importance of a strong support network.
Real-World Application: Children can see the significance of fostering meaningful relationships and being supportive friends in their own lives, which can provide comfort and assistance through their personal challenges.
Example Lesson: Confronting and overcoming past mistakes
Explanation: Tess deals with the repercussions of her past actions and learns to forgive herself. This theme of redemption is central to the narrative.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the power of confronting personal mistakes, learning from them, and moving forward, offering a pathway to forgiveness and better decision-making.