The Dark Secret
#4 of 15 in The Wings of Fire Series
What’s inside...
In the shadows, trouble is brewing. When Starflight is stolen by his own tribe, he hopes to uncover long-held NightWing secrets, including their magical powers, alliances, and living conditions. However, the truth is more terrible than he imagined, as the NightWings live in a dark, miserable place and have imprisoned several innocent RainWings. Stranded and alone, Starflight wants to return to his friends, but the fate of two kingdoms rests in his talons. With no one to save him, Starflight must find a way to be brave before it's too late.
Character compass
Starflight
Glory
Fatespeaker
Queen Battlewinner
Morrowseer
Mastermind
Discussion points
How do you think the characters felt when they discovered the dark secret? What would you have felt in their place?
Why is it important for the characters to work together in the story? Can you think of a time when you had to work with others to solve a problem?
What do you think the dark secret represents in the story? How do secrets affect relationships between characters?
How do the characters change from the beginning to the end of the book? Which character do you relate to the most and why?
If you had a chance to ask a character from the book a question, what would it be?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their feelings about the story and its characters. Openly discuss their insights to foster emotional intelligence.
Draw parallels between the story and real life, asking your child to relate the characters’ experiences with their own. This builds empathy and personal connection.
Pose hypothetical situations based on the book’s plot to enhance critical thinking. For instance, ask what they would do if faced with a similar secret.
Highlight the moral and values conveyed in the book, prompting your child to reflect on what they have learned and how it applies to their own life.
Use praise to reinforce your child’s observations and thoughts, making the discussion a positive and affirming experience.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of teamwork
Explanation: The protagonists in 'The Dark Secret' work together to overcome obstacles and challenges, demonstrating that teamwork is essential to achieving goals.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by collaborating with peers in school projects or team sports, learning that collective efforts often yield better results.
Example Lesson: Courage in the face of adversity
Explanation: Characters in the book face their fears and stand up to daunting challenges, teaching readers that bravery is crucial in difficult situations.
Real-World Application: This lesson helps children understand the value of facing their fears, whether it's trying out for a school play, standing up to a bully, or tackling a tough exam.
Example Lesson: The significance of loyalty
Explanation: Throughout the story, strong bonds between characters underscore the importance of loyalty and support among friends.
Real-World Application: Children learn to foster trust and support with their friends and family, aiding them in building lasting, supportive relationships.
Example Lesson: Acceptance of differences
Explanation: The diverse characters in 'The Dark Secret' learn to accept and value each other's differences, highlighting the strength that diversity can bring to a group.
Real-World Application: This teaches children to appreciate and embrace the differences in others around them, promoting inclusivity and respect in their interactions.
Example Lesson: Responsibility for one's actions
Explanation: Characters in the book confront the consequences of their decisions, emphasizing personal accountability.
Real-World Application: Teaching children to take responsibility for their actions helps them develop a strong sense of integrity and decision-making skills in real-world situations.