The Dangerous Gift
#14 of 15 in The Wings of Fire Series
on Goodreads (12,173)
What’s inside...
The Dangerous Gift is the fourteenth book in the Wings of Fire series. The story follows Queen Snowfall as she struggles to lead the IceWings in the aftermath of Queen Glacier's death. When she receives a mysterious gift that could potentially change the future of Pyrrhia, she must decide whether to keep it or pass it on. The #1 New York Times bestselling series continues! Snowfall didn't expect to be queen of the IceWings at such a young age, but now that she is, she's going to be the best queen ever. All she has to do is keep her tribe within IceWing territory, where it's safe -- while keeping every other tribe out, where they belong. It's a perfect and simple plan, backed up by all the IceWing magic Snowfall can find. That is, until a storm of unidentified dragons arrives on her shore, looking for asylum. The foreigners are completely strange and, Snowfall is certain, utterly untrustworthy. But as she escorts the miserable new tribes out of her kingdom, Snowfall is forced to reconsider her plan. Maybe she can only keep her tribe safe . . . if she's willing to risk everything.
Character compass
Snowfall
Cricket
Sundew
Mink
Lynx
Blue
Swordtail
Queen Wasp
Discussion points
How do you think Queen Snowfall felt when she had to make tough decisions for her tribe? What would you do in her place?
Why is trust important in the relationships depicted in the book? Can you think of a time when trust played a key role in one of your relationships?
What does the title 'The Dangerous Gift' mean to you after reading the story? What are some gifts that might seem dangerous but can be beneficial?
How do the characters in the book change over time? Which character's journey did you find most compelling and why?
How do the dragons' abilities influence their roles and responsibilities within their tribes? How do your own abilities influence your role in your family or among your friends?
Tip: Role play these questions
Before discussing, ask your child to summarize the book in their own words. This helps gauge their understanding and recall.
Encourage your child to relate the situations in the book to their own life. This connection can make the conversation more meaningful and personal.
Listen actively to your child's opinions about the book, showing interest and asking follow-up questions to delve deeper into their thoughts.
Discuss the moral and ethical choices characters make in the story, guiding your child to consider different perspectives and outcomes.
Utilize the dragons' unique traits and powers as a fun way to explore themes of diversity and individual strengths within the story.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Leadership and responsibility
Explanation: The protagonist, Queen Snowfall, grapples with the heavy responsibilities of leadership and the impact of her decisions on her tribe.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this by understanding the importance of responsible decision-making and considering the effects their actions have on others.
Example Lesson: Empathy and understanding
Explanation: Throughout the story, characters learn to understand and empathize with dragons from different tribes, overcoming prejudice.
Real-World Application: This lesson helps children grasp the significance of empathy in real-life interactions and teaches them to appreciate and respect diverse perspectives.
Example Lesson: Value of teamwork
Explanation: The dragons must collaborate to face various challenges, highlighting the strength found in teamwork.
Real-World Application: Kids learn that working together can solve problems more effectively than working alone, a vital skill for group projects and communal activities.
Example Lesson: Courage in adversity
Explanation: Characters often face dangerous situations that test their bravery and resolve.
Real-World Application: This can inspire children to face their own challenges with courage and to understand the rewards of overcoming their fears.
Example Lesson: Consequences of actions
Explanation: The book explores how the choices made by the characters lead to various outcomes, teaching cause and effect.
Real-World Application: Children can relate this to their actions in daily life, developing an understanding of accountability and foresight.