The Ability
#1 of 21 in The Ability Series
What’s inside...
Delve into the extraordinary abilities of the twelve-year-old mind in this thrilling start to a middle-grade series that expands the possibilities of power.
No one has any confidence in twelve-year-old Christopher Lane. His teachers discount him as a liar and a thief, and his mom doesn’t have the energy to deal with him. But a mysterious visit from the Ministry of Education indicates that Chris might have some potential after all: He is invited to attend the prestigious Myers Holt Academy.
When Christopher begins at his new school, he is astounded at what he can do. It seems that age twelve is a special time for the human brain, which is capable of remarkable feats—as also evidenced by Chris’s peers Ernest and Mortimer Genver, who, at the direction of their vengeful and manipulative mother, are testing the boundaries of the human mind.
But all this experimentation has consequences, and Chris soon finds himself forced to face them—or his new life will be over before it can begin.
Why read this book
- Enhances critical thinking with complex, intriguing storylines.
- Characters show resilience, fostering emotional growth in readers.
- Encourages the exploration of unique abilities and self-discovery.
- Supports teamwork and collaboration through captivating adventures.
Character compass
Christopher Lane
Ebony
Daisy
Ernest
Ms. Sonata
Discussion points
How do you think Christopher felt when he discovered his special abilities, and why?
If you had a special ability like Christopher, how would you choose to use it?
The book highlights the significance of trust among friends. Can you share a time when trust played an important role in one of your friendships?
What would you do if you were faced with a moral dilemma similar to what the characters in the book experienced?
How do the characters in 'The Ability' change from the beginning to the end of the story?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to relate personal experiences to those of Christopher and his friends, enhancing empathy and understanding of the characters' decisions.
Discuss the moral challenges the characters face to guide your child in understanding complex ethical questions.
Utilize pauses after each question to give your child time to think deeply, ensuring that they feel their perspective is valued.
Highlight the development and consequences of the characters' abilities, provoking a discussion on responsibility and power.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of teamwork
Explanation: In 'The Ability,' the protagonist Chris and his peers learn to harness their special mental abilities only by working together, emphasizing that collective effort is often needed to overcome challenges.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by participating in group activities or team sports, learning that cooperation and communication are essential for achieving common goals.
Example Lesson: Ethical responsibility of power
Explanation: As the characters in 'The Ability' explore their newfound powers, they face moral dilemmas that test their integrity. This highlights the lesson that with great power comes great responsibility.
Real-World Application: This can help children understand that their actions, even small ones, have consequences and they should think about the impacts of their decisions on others.
Example Lesson: The value of perseverance
Explanation: Throughout the book, Chris and his friends encounter numerous obstacles but they persevere. This teaches that persistence is key in overcoming difficulties.
Real-World Application: Children can be encouraged to stay persistent in their studies, hobbies, or personal challenges, realizing that success often follows continuous effort and resilience.
Example Lesson: Respecting differences
Explanation: The book portrays a diverse group of children with unique talents, teaching that differences should be embraced rather than feared or shunned.
Real-World Application: This leads to better social interactions at school as children learn to appreciate and respect each other’s differences, fostering a more inclusive environment.