Doppol - Trending books for kids

4.30
on Goodreads (6,871)

What’s inside...

The Herons take to the high seas to fend off pirates and rescue the heir to an empire in the newest adventure from John Flanagan, author of the worldwide bestselling Ranger's Apprentice! Includes BONUS content--a brand-new Ranger's Apprentice short story featuring fan-favorites Will and Maddie! In Hallasholm, Stig is contesting the annual Maktig competition to decide Skandia's greatest warrior. But a late-night knock on the door brings someone Stig never expected to see again, along with a request the Herons are hard-pressed to refuse: a rescue mission of epic proportions. Across the ocean, the southern city-state of Byzantos is plagued by a crew of pirates who've kidnapped the son of Empress Justina. Slipping out of Hallasholm under the cover of darkness, the brotherband sets sail to recover the boy from his kidnappers, heading south to the island of Santorillos where a near-impenetrable fortress stands atop a cliff, surrounded by a lagoon--a caldera--formed by the crater of a volcano. In this explosive seventh book in the action-packed Brotherband Chronicles, the Herons battle pirates amid stormy seas as the fate of an empire rests on their shoulders.
In series
Series reading
Sequential
Age
9-10
Length
432 pages
Text complexity

Discussion points

How do you think the characters felt when they faced challenges in 'The Caldera'? What would you have done in their place?
What lessons did the characters learn during their journey? Can you relate any of their experiences to your own life?
If you could meet any character from 'The Caldera,' who would it be and what would you ask them?
What role does the setting of the caldera play in the story? How would the story change if it occurred somewhere else?
Imagine you have the power to add a new character to 'The Caldera.' Who would they be, and how would they influence the story?
Tip: Role play these questions
Begin the discussion by sharing your thoughts on the book, and invite your child to share theirs. This exchange will create a comfortable environment for an open conversation.
Encourage your child to draw parallels between the story's themes and their personal experiences. This connection helps deepen their understanding and empathy.
Highlight the characters' emotions and decisions during the story. Discussing these aspects can facilitate your child's emotional development and decision-making skills.
Ask your child to imagine alternative endings or plot twists. This can help develop their creativity and problem-solving skills.
Revisit the conversation after a few days. New ideas and thoughts might have emerged for your child, showing their processing and integration of the story's lessons.

Key lessons

Example Lesson: Resilience in the face of adversity
Explanation: In 'The Caldera,' the protagonist faces numerous challenges but learns to overcome them through perseverance and determination.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by tackling their own challenges, such as mastering a new skill or dealing with difficult situations at school, with resilience.
Example Lesson: Importance of teamwork
Explanation: The characters in 'The Caldera' must work together to navigate the complexities of their journey, demonstrating the power of collaboration.
Real-World Application: In everyday life, children can practice teamwork by participating in group activities, sports teams, or school projects, learning to value each member's contribution.
Example Lesson: Value of friendship
Explanation: The story emphasizes strong bonds between characters who support each other through thick and thin, underscoring the significance of reliable friends.
Real-World Application: This lesson teaches children to foster meaningful relationships and to be a supportive friend in their own social circles.
Example Lesson: Courage to face the unknown
Explanation: As the characters venture into unknown territories, they display courage, which helps them to navigate new and sometimes scary situations.
Real-World Application: Children can embrace this lesson by facing new experiences with bravery, whether it’s trying out a new sport, speaking in front of a class, or standing up for what is right.
Example Lesson: Problem-solving
Explanation: Throughout the book, characters encounter various problems that they need to solve creatively and efficiently.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to think critically and apply problem-solving skills, whether in academic tasks or in resolving everyday conflicts.