#2 in The 39 Clues Series
The Black Circle
on Goodreads (52,258)
What’s inside...
The Black Circle is the fifth installment in the 39 Clues series, where siblings Amy and Dan Cahill continue their worldwide quest to discover the secrets of their family's power. This time, they find themselves in Russia, where they must outsmart their rivals and navigate the dangerous underworld of the Russian black market.
Character compass
Discussion points
What do you think motivated the characters to go on their adventure?
How did the different settings in the story affect the characters' actions and emotions?
What can we learn from the teamwork shown by the characters?
How did the characters change from the beginning to the end of the story?
If you could give advice to any of the characters, what would it be?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to put themselves in the characters' shoes, fostering empathy and deeper understanding of motivations.
Discuss the puzzle-solving aspect of the story to build problem-solving skills.
Connect the historical elements in the book with real-world history, enhancing educational value.
Use the adventurous and mysterious elements of the book to spark curiosity and critical thinking.
Celebrate the characters' victories and discuss their failures to teach resilience and determination.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of collaboration
Explanation: In 'The Black Circle', characters Amy and Dan Cahill work together to solve clues and face challenges. Their teamwork is crucial for their progress and success.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by embracing teamwork in school projects or in sports, learning that cooperation can lead to achieving great results.
Example Lesson: Critical thinking and problem solving
Explanation: Throughout the story, the protagonists decode complex puzzles and riddles. This illustrates the importance of using logic and thinking outside the box to overcome obstacles.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to tackle problems in their daily life creatively, whether in academics or personal decisions.
Example Lesson: The value of perseverance
Explanation: Amy and Dan face numerous setbacks in their quest, yet they persistently continue their journey. Their resilience shows the rewards of not giving up despite difficulties.
Real-World Application: Children learn to stay determined and persistent in their goals, be it in learning a new skill, improving in a sport, or dealing with interpersonal challenges.
Example Lesson: Respecting differences
Explanation: The diverse range of characters in 'The Black Circle' showcases various cultures and perspectives, teaching the importance of respect and understanding for everyone's unique background.
Real-World Application: Kids are encouraged to embrace diversity and show respect to all, understanding that everyone has something valuable to contribute.
Example Lesson: Learning from history
Explanation: Historical facts and figures are woven into the storyline, providing a fun and engaging way to learn about history.
Real-World Application: This can spark an interest in historical events and figures among children, promoting further exploration and learning in their academic subjects or personal interests.