The Deceivers: Greystone Secrets
#2 in Greystone Secrets Series
on Goodreads (3,261)
What’s inside...
Until their mother vanished, the Greystone kids—Chess, Emma, and Finn—knew nothing about the other world.
Everything is different there. It’s a mirror image, except things are wrong. Evil. Their mother tried to fix it, but she and an ally got trapped there along with Ms. Morales, their friend Natalie’s mom.
Now the four kids—brave Chess, smart Emma, kind Finn, and savvy Natalie—are determined to rescue everyone.
To do so, they have to go back: into the other world, where even telling the truth can be illegal.
But in such a terrifying place, Chess doubts he can ever be brave enough. Despite all her brains, Emma can’t seem to break the code. With everything spiraling out of control, Finn has to pretend he’s okay.
And for Natalie, the lies of the other world include some she wishes were actually true. What if she’s gotten so used to lying she no longer knows what to believe?
Why read this book
- Thrilling mystery captivates and holds children's attention.
- Encourages teamwork and values of trust among peers.
- Enhances problem-solving skills through complex puzzles.
- Engages young readers with realistic, multidimensional characters.
Character compass
Chess Greystone
Finn Greystone
Emma Greystone
Natalie Morales
Discussion points
What would you do if you were in the Greystone kids' shoes and discovered a parallel world?
How do the characters in the story show courage and teamwork? Can you give some examples?
What lessons did you learn about trust and deception from the book?
How do you think the story would change if you were one of the characters?
Which character did you resonate with most and why?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use open-ended questions to promote critical thinking and allow your child to express their thoughts freely.
Relate the themes of the book to real-life scenarios which can help your child make connections and deepen understanding.
Encourage your child to imagine alternative endings or plot twists, which nurtures creativity and problem-solving skills.
Discuss the actions and motivations of different characters to enhance empathy and perspective-taking abilities.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of teamwork
Explanation: In 'The Deceivers: Greystone Secrets', the Greystone kids work together to solve mysteries and overcome challenges. Their success often hinges on their ability to collaborate and leverage each other’s unique strengths.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by working cooperatively in group projects at school or during team sports, understanding that everyone has unique contributions that are vital for success.
Example Lesson: The value of critical thinking
Explanation: Throughout the book, the characters frequently encounter puzzles and cryptic clues that require logical reasoning and critical thinking to decode.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to exercise their problem-solving skills not just academically but in everyday situations such as understanding a complex game rule or resolving a personal conflict.
Example Lesson: The significance of trust
Explanation: Trust is a central theme in the book, as the characters must decide who they can rely on in their uncertain and often perilous journey.
Real-World Application: This lesson highlights the importance of building and maintaining trust in relationships with family and friends in a child's life.
Example Lesson: Perseverance in the face of adversity
Explanation: The Greystone kids often face seemingly insurmountable obstacles but persist through their challenges regardless.
Real-World Application: Children learn the value of perseverance which they can emulate in their own lives, be it while learning a new skill or dealing with personal challenges.
Example Lesson: Understanding and accepting differences
Explanation: As the Greystone children interact with peers from alternate realities, they learn to accept and embrace differences in perspectives and backgrounds.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the importance of inclusivity and respect in diverse settings such as school, facilitating smoother social interactions and broader worldviews.