The Chosen: Contender
#1 of 3 in Contender Series
on Goodreads (3,359)
What’s inside...
Introducing an epic new trilogy from Taran Matharu, author of the New York Times–bestselling Summoner series. Throughout history, people have vanished with no explanation. A group of teenagers are about to discover why. Cade is settling into a new boarding school, contemplating his future, when he finds himself transported to another realm. He soon discovers their new world is populated with lost remnants from the past: prehistoric creatures, ancient relics, and stranger still — people. Overwhelmed by his new surroundings, Cade has little time to adjust, for soon he and his fellow classmates are forced to become contenders in a brutal game, controlled by mysterious overlords. But who are these beings and why did they choose these teens? Cade must prepare for battle . . . because hiding is not an option.
Character compass
Cade Carter
Quintus
Finch
Discussion points
What qualities do you think make Cade a strong leader? Can you think of a time when you had to lead in your own life?
How do the characters in the book deal with challenges and setbacks? What did you learn from their experiences?
If you were in Cade's shoes, what would you do differently? Why?
The story explores themes of friendship and loyalty. Why do you think these values are important in the book? How do they apply to your life?
What role does trust play in the characters' relationships? Have you ever faced a situation where trust was crucial?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to relate personal experiences to those of the characters, building empathy and deeper understanding.
Use examples from the book to discuss the importance of moral values and decision-making in real-life situations.
Create a supportive discussion environment where your child feels comfortable sharing their thoughts and feelings about the book's themes.
Highlight the character development throughout the story to spur conversation on personal growth and learning from mistakes.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Resilience in facing challenges
Explanation: The protagonist's journey through rigorous trials showcases the importance of perseverance and resilience.
Real-World Application: Children learn to persist through difficulties in school or personal endeavors, understanding that challenges are opportunities for growth.
Example Lesson: Importance of teamwork
Explanation: Characters in the book rely on each other’s strengths to overcome obstacles, highlighting the power of collaborative effort.
Real-World Application: This teaches children to value cooperative work and to seek help from peers or family when facing complex tasks or problems.
Example Lesson: Moral integrity
Explanation: Throughout the story, characters are faced with decisions that test their moral values, demonstrating the long-term benefits of making ethical choices.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this by making honest choices in their interactions with others, reinforcing the importance of integrity in building trust and respect.
Example Lesson: Courage to defy odds
Explanation: The book’s characters often take bold actions despite uncertain outcomes, illustrating courage in adversity.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to take calculated risks and stand up for what they believe in, even in the face of opposition or uncertainty.